What extra thing should I REALLY do to prepare for today?

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.

You should relax.
That's all.
Relax.

Crap happened. I'm bipolar. The End. hahaha

Some therapist have wanted history, others we've just jumped in with what's bothering me now. One therapist I did ALL my history in the first session and it took 2 hrs. I don't think therapists mind abridged versions of things.

I honestly think the most important topic is: How are you doing now? You can always catch up on the rest of the info.

You sound very prepared. More prepared than I will ever be when seeking a new therapist. Good for you!

I hope this transition goes well for you!


WC

You are fully within your rights to tell the new therapist that you don't want to drag out your history so you only want to touch on the important things in order for you to get to working on what you need now. I've told a therapist that before. It was when I didn't want to rehash the details of my sexual abuse. She respected that and we went on working together for years until one day it just came out and I started working on dealing with it. I know it's a little different situation with you, but again you can tell the therapist that you don't want to go over a long history and just want to touch on important things and move on to today's/current issues.

Lol! I like the first line!

I think they will ask more questions at certain points, if they see a reason to ask for more info. I think you are right.

You made me laugh. Thank you!

WC

yes! Important if you have a history of abuse/trauma.
Good thought, Leia! I have done this!

WC

Thanks, everyone, for the super speedy responses! I was hoping to hear from people quickly since I guess I have to start getting ready in about 30-45 mins

I think I will just give an extremely abridged version. I'm not looking for a diagnosis. My diagnosis is definitive and confirmed by about 8 or 9 psychiatrists total (some in and out of the hospital). Once I went to a psychologist/therapist who announced as soon as I sat down "I will diagnose you!" I was like, "WTF! I don't need another confirmation for the obvious!" I ended up having to tell my whole story just to convince her of the diagnosis I told her in the first sentence of my session. She was like "OK, I guess you do have bipolar type 1."

Good luck!


WC

Good luck from me as well. Keep us updated, hopefully it goes well (atleast okay).

Please give us an update when you can.

Hello PsychCentral Friends,

I'm happy to say I was very happy with my first session with my new psychologist/therapist. She not only looked as pleasant as her photo in Psychologytoday.com, but she really was. She made me feel a lot more comfortable than I expected to feel. I did give her a bit of my history, and a couple of things I need to process in the future. It was only at the end that I mentioned how I've been doing lately. She seemed to feel our first session was very productive and informative. I'll see her again next week same day/time. It's nice that she's in-network, too.

I did mention one thing that she said kind of worried her for a second, but I reassured her about it and she understood.

She did give me one specific assignment. Ugh! She wants me to exercise or walk at least 30 minutes/three days this upcoming week. I know, I know. I should. Everyone should. It's been something I've been kind of stubborn about for quite a while.

Sounds like it all went well! Happy for you. Definitely get in the exercise. It helps way more than you think it will.

Glad it worked out for you.