My counseling session on Monday went really well.  I really like it when that happens. It really makes me feel proud of myself when I hear my counselor tell me that she is really pleased with how far I have progressed since I have been seeing her.

I had a couple of things on my mind that I had wanted to discuss this week.  Medical issues were on my mind.  Right now, I think one of my biggest depressive episode triggers is when my physical health is not going the way I want it to.  Especially, when one thing after another happens, like what has gone on recently.

The other thing I wanted to discuss with my counselor was about me attending group therapy.  When I started seeing my counselor, she felt that I needed extremely intense therapy and I also had issues with being around people I did not know, so we agreed that at that time group therapy would not be appropriate for me.  I have been in counseling for about a year and half now, and recently I have been thinking that it might be time to try group therapy.

I have good social skills with my family and on the internet, but in real life I am not sure that I do.  Most of the people I have contact with in real life are my family, so it leads me to wonder how I would interact with others.  I brought my idea up to the counselor and she agreed that it was time I tried out a group therapy session.  What we decided to do was not officially sign me up for them just yet, but have me go to the group session that meets on Monday.  After that group session, I am to meet with her and tell her what I thought about it and decide if it is something I want to do again.

I am very excited by this.  I think the counselor is too.  It marks a huge step in my recovery process.  I am asking to be put into a situation that normally would make me very uncomfortable.  I am not sure if this is going to change how often I meet with her or not.  The center I go to is state run, and there are certain rules they have to follow.  However, when I initially began going there I qualified for all of the services offered due to the severity of my depression.

I feel so good and proud of myself right now.  I hope those feelings last for quite a while.