I'm going back to my therapist after a 4 yr. break at the advise of my meds provider (after I had a long hypo mania & then crashed into a deep depression--bipolar I). I'm feeling very nervous, because I don't know what I'm going to say. I have the problems of low self-esteem, binge eating, anxiety--but they all seem so trite.

My childhood was chaotic due to a bp mother who was also an alcoholic & an alcoholic father, as well, but I think I'm over all that stuff & don't need to dredge it up. Any suggestions on how I should approach this first session? Right now I'm feeling a lot of anxiety over it. Thanks for any thoughts.--Suzy

When ever i take a break from therapy then reenter with a new therapist one thing that helps me is that I sit down and write down

Why I need or want to be in therapy
what my problems are
A few ways to take care of those problems during and outside of therapy
What I have tried
what works and what doesn't and how it didn't work
my isurance card number
any questions that I want to ask the therapist such as
cost
homework
books
journaling
artwork

and so on.

This really comes in handy during those first few sessions because the therapist always ask me

why are you enterinbg therapy?
how can I help you?
What are your problems?
What kinds of things have you already done to take care of these problems? and how did that work out?
What do you think your goals for therapy should be?

[Boopers]

It's normal to feel nervous and anxious. That's a long time in between therapy but I bet once you are there, things will just automatically start to flow. Tell the therapist how you feel and I bet he/she will ease you into it.
Good Luck!!

Linda

Thanks for the great tips. I did reread some of my journal & was able to pick out emotions & situations that are triggering depression, anger, feelings of worthlessness, etc. so I can just read some of thos entries to her to let her know where I am now. This is the same therapist I saw for a couple years after I was diagnosed with bp so she does know me & knows my background & particular sensitivities & issues. I thought I had gotten over them, but my recent crash has brought up all the old feelings. Still feeling anxious (only slept 4 hours last night even though I took my full dose of Trazadone), but at least I have a few topics to get the ball rolling. Thanks again for the ideas.--Suzy

[Perna]

I went back into therapy after 9 years and it was wonderful, made all the difference in my life. I'd start with just talking about the anxiety of seeing her again. My poor T, I had to wait a couple weeks between calling her and the appointment because she was out of town and I swamped her the first session, I was all over the place

Good luck, Suzy, we'll be thinking of you. When's your appointment?

You're welcome hang in there

I had my appt. yesterday & did read some things out of my journal that expressed where I am right now & some of the problems I feel "stuck" on. It turned out well & she gave me a book on bp to get my opinion on it (also a good way for me to get more knowledge). She knows I am a voracious reader & definitely like to learn more "self care" techniques to manage my illness, reduce symptoms, address problems like binge eating & to reduce anxiety.

I will go back to see her in a week & will probably read more of my journal to her. I found that less threatening that looking her in the eye & listing all of my weaknesses & feelings of self-reproach. Major development: I teared up a little, but I didn't cry! The increase in my Lamictal & the added Trazadone must be working. I've been crying so easily these past couple months since I had a major episode. I hope now I can look at myself more realistically & not be caught up in so many painful emotions.

Thanks again for the posts.--Suzy