I can also relate to this. Mixed_up, I thought I was the only one who had to go to the bathroom before each session! For 6 years! I, too, am only 15 minutes away but I get so, so nervous--until the session starts. Then I'm okay. I still feel a little embarrassed knowing that she knows I'm always in the bathrom first. We talked about it once, and she understands that I'm nervous before a session.

Therapy is in her house, and her waiting room is very pleasant. I wish I could just lie on her couch forever. It's more comfortable than her therapy room. There's never been anyone else waiting, though sometimes I see someone leave, or come after me. I hate that! Her books and some photos are there, so it's all her and her family's stuff. I feel like it's private, though I have looked around. She told me that she doesn't keep anything private in that room, so it's okay to look.

I write my check and give it to her directly, or leave it on her desk in the other room. I'll never get used to that part because it means the session is over. I've decided that therapy is "strange," and there's no way around that fact.