So, I started work with this new therapist (I'd seen therapists before and have stopped working with them for various reasons...some in my control and others not). I am getting very frustrated with her.

First of all, she starts every session with, "How do you feel"

I think this is an inane question because how I am feeling on a random morning does not relate to the issues I came into therapy to discuss. I usually respond with "ok" because that is usually the most accurate answer.

Today she went on to ask "How's it going with your girlfriend"

Also something I told her was not what I wanted to discuss in therapy. We wasted ten minutes (pretty valuable time in a 40 minute session) discussing how I felt like my gf was inattentive and how we didn't connect. I think that's a common problem people have in relationships and it's not something you need to see a therapist for.

The frustrating thing for me is that I have forwarded her my transcripts...I have filled out various questionairres...I've told her about my classes and major and goals...there are a lot of things she could be asking me that are a lot more specific or targeted.

If I wanted someone to say "I see" and "How do you feel" I would just get online and type to one of those automated chat bots -_-. Or, I would talk to my friends about issues with the girl.

At the end of the last few sessions she has concluded, "There's something wrong here."

Yes, I know, that's why I came into therapy. Thanks. Sigh.

This is my fourth session with her which means it's been a month and about 600 dollars she's gotten from my insurance company, not counting the copays. I don't really understand why anyone deserves 600 dollars for four hours of "work". I honestly get a sense that she's just winging it every session, rather than taking any time to prepare and tailor her conversation. I feel like ZERO progress has been made.

I usually put a lot of effort into topics for discussing at therapy (as in, I write them down or go over them during the week) but I am socially anxious and find it difficult to start a convo. Furthermore, it's difficult to open up to her when I don't get a sense that she's not putting a lick of effort into it. I feel almost stupid doing so. A question as simple as "How do you feel about X" versus "How do you feel in general" would make me say 1,000 things.

Today she gave me the names of two psychiatrists. I didn't really get how she concluded I should talk to a psychiatrist after not having anything to say to ME besides "something is wrong" and "how are you feeling." :/