I always liked seeing the T better than the psychiatrist.. because I have a whole 50 min with my T once a week and 10-15 min with my psychiatrist every 6 weeks. Then again, I'm a talker.

I saw my first T for 7 years: once a week, every week. She saw me from age 17-22. I liked her because she reminded me of a grandma figure and I stopped seeing her when she started acting like my parents. For me it was an indication that we had grown too close and she couldn't be my objective T anymore.

I saw a couple other T's after that that I didn't really like. I saw one for 3 years or so with the guy I was dating at the time (I had just been diagnosed and really needed to be in therapy but couldn't face it myself.. besides which that bf needed therapy too). Sometime in the middle of seeing that T I added my own (saw her for 3-4 years).. she's never been my favorite and I've fired her since.... although I haven't told her that. Perhaps I should.

Good luck! and remember that every T is slightly different, keep trying until you find one you like :-) Congratulations on taking the first steps and I'm glad the woman who is going to retire is going to try to help you with the transition.