This afternoon I am reluctantly seeing a new therapist. I believe I mentioned here a number of days ago that my therapist of 4.5 years is ending her practice. I am really sad about that. It took almost that time to really feel comfortable with her enough to open up about very very sensitive issues.

I've seen about 10 other therapists in the last 13 years besides my one I've seen 4.5 years. Some for only one session, after which I knew they were a terrible fit for me. Others maybe a year or two. I remember preparing a LOT for those first sessions. I brought written time lines of my hospitalizations and other major "events", medication lists, therapy goals, and outlines describing the "flavor" of my bipolar 1 illness. This time I did fill out some forms the office wanted in advance. They mostly asked for my current medication list, brief descriptions of my diagnos(es), and history of seeing therapists, which I wrote in a very abridged version. Nothing about goals. I haven't even prepared that this time.

I know the therapist will ask me questions, but is there anything I definitely should prepare beyond the above-mentioned? I am really dreading having to go through my full history. It's so long! I'll either start and it will become painfully drawn out, or I'll be frustrated and abridge it extremely.

I know I have to tell her how I am NOW. I assume that basic question will be asked. But if not, I guess I'll just answer any other stuff she asks.

I have arranged with my most recent therapist to also see her (at the same time as this new therapist), until she closes up shop in mid March.