I got a referral to a specific therapist. I'm concerned because she does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. If I understand correctly the approach they use de-emphasizes why you are the way you are, especially with respect to childhood, focusing on how you are, and how you act right now. I also understand that it can be very structured and focused.

I'm concerned because I think I really need to talk about my experiences growing up. I'm also concerned because, frankly I just need someone to talk to, and might get frustrated with too much structured goal oriented work. I'm the sort of person that needs to understand "why".

I know how things go will depend a lot on me and the therapist personally. I don't want to state my concerns too directly at our first meeting (i can be a little blunt). Are there questions I could ask, or things to say, that would help?