What to take the lead about? Well, I have a notebook that I jot down potential 'topics' to discuss for next session. It could be anything that comes up in my mind that has an emotional element to it. I also like to let her know some other parts of my life so she knows what kind of life I lead - like I went kayaking this week and I want her to know i had that adventure. It's not specifically relevant to any burning issue but I think it helps her to know me more.

By the time session arrives I have a list. And which thing(s) I choose to discuss are what are most compelling to me at the moment. Very seldom do I cover the whole list.

I like the list because there are some times in which I stall out and I can refer to it and remind myself of a thought or feeling or incident that occurred during the week.