Merlin, I think it's okay at first to find yourself speaking intellectually about things -- it's hard to be open and vulnerable with a stranger. That is normal! However, if you can tell her about it as it's happening (i.e. "I find myself speaking intellectually about these things, but I'd really like to learn to be more comfortable with emotional intimacy and shed this intellectualizing, eventually."). I'm glad she sounded nice on the phone -- and it sounds like your old T really respected her, so that's a very good sign. Good luck to you Merlin! Let us know how it goes!!