[xiuxiu]

During my last session my therapist asked me in what direction we were headed. We had been focusing a lot on my bipolar symptom management and determining whether or not my meds were working for me. We came to realize that I've learned to manage them really well myself (this is my first time in therapy after nearly 10 years of dealing with it on my own), and that my medication is doing a good job of reinforcing that. I've been at a baseline level for the past three weeks mood-wise, and I feel pretty good about it.

When she asked me I had absolutely no idea. She said it was okay, but it made me feel a little upset with myself later. I've been trying to come up with something I legitimately need to work on, but I still don't know. I've only been in therapy for about three or four months, so I don't feel like I am quite ready to stop. It took me forever to find a good therapist, so I wouldn't want to stop prematurely.

I had the craziest start of summer vacation, internally and externally, which caused me to take a break from basically everything. Since I've spent a couple of months in a combination of leisure and taking care of my mental health, I'm both nervous and excited about starting the fall semester in a couple of weeks. I will need to really center myself and be meticulous in keeping balance and managing my time, but I feel as though that's something to do on my own.

Does anyone else have this problem right now? If not, what are your goals? (Not that I'm looking for ideas—everyone is different, but I'm just curious.)

[CantExplain]

Therapy doesn't have to be goal directed. You can just deal with small issues as they come up.

Or if you want a goal, try this:
"I want to be able to live in the moment without needing a plan."

[xiuxiu]

Yeah, I just want it to serve as maintenance in case I have another meltdown, or to make sure I'm doing what I can to prevent that. It's good to have someone outside of yourself keep you in check, really. We can all get so caught up in certain things that we lose sight of others..if that makes sense.

That is a good one, I laughed.

[A Red Panda]

My T, whom I've only just started seeing, was big on having me pick out goals. I said "I want to accept living here". But I'm assuming he considers that too big. Then I said "I want to accept living here and get back off meds". Which he doesn't agree with, but has gone with that as I'm quite adament about it. haha.

He's also decided already to not really focus on my self-management of my bipolar, because I already have some good strategies. Instead he wants me to start breaking down all my "rules" that I live my life by. So that I guess is the goal or something right now. He decided that my self-esteem is what needs worked on... so... that's the focus.

I don't think there's an issue with not having a specific goal in mind for yourself.

[Melody_Bells]

Hi Xiu Xiu, Sounds like you have made so much progress, I can see why you are not sure what your goals are. It's good to have your T's support in maintaining your progress, as you start your fall semester, just to have someone to talk to as you continue to work on yourself.

Your T can also work with you on your life's goals, to get to know yourself better, gain insights into yourself, to reach higher levels of happiness, and continue to grow into the very best, most joyful person you can be.