Liking her as a person has nothing to do with liking her as a therapist. I like my best friend but she would suck as a therapist. If she's not helping you (by talking about things that don't need to be discussed in therapy -knitting- and not talking about things that do matter -coping with your bipolar and any other problems-) then maybe you should seek another therapist.

I often am too afraid to leave a health care provider, for fear that they will be mad at me for leaving or that it will make them dislike me. I have learned that this is just like shopping. If one shoe doesn't fit, try another. Maybe you could search for a CBT therapist. Better to get one who specializes in it.

I also see the pain in the *** -ness of starting over. That's another reason I would always take so long to finally give up a therapist. Then you have to go through your history and rebuild a relationship. Regardless, it's a better turn out in the end.

Good Luck in whatever you choose.