Hi KarenSue

Meeting a P'doc for the first time can be daunting. It is a good idea to write things prior history down. Don't be too worried if you can't manage it all, other things can and will come later. It takes more than one visit to be helped. You will be assessing them as much as they will be assessing you. You may also wish to give him a brief overview of how you cope with life.

Have questions for your p'doc. P'docs have differing styles. Some will only ever see you 5 minutes max and they only write out scripts. Other P'docs will be able to write scripts but the may also use therapy as part of your treatment. Ask them how they do their job. Do they even like their job? Do they like people? Ask them what they think their strengths/specialties lay.

We can forget that we are paying a p'doc to help us. We are their employers and if their manner makes us uncomfortable then it's unlikely you will be able to make much progress with them.

I have had a couple of P'docs. It is most important that you feel like there is some form of emotional connection, even if it is just the smallest bit at first. Without that you may find yourself just marking time.

Most importantly relax. Give yourself plenty of time to get there. If you need to for the first time have some-one take you to the appointment. They don't have to go in with you but just wait. Maybe have a coffee/tea afterwards to shift your head back to the present.