[Calilady]

I have three initial consultations w/therapists this week. I'm sure many of you know how utterly exhausting this is.

My question is would I come across as kinda pretentious if I printed out an overview of my situation and gave them a copy to read along with me. Ya know, just a brief highlight kinda of list of how old I am, my family situation, my work situation, and whatnot.

I HATE having to regurgitate everything, each time, and if they are writing along with me speaking, I slow down and wait for them.

Just a bulletin point list to get things moving quicker...or is that kinda douche-y?

[Maven]

No, I absolutely agree. I have meant to do it, but I can't use my computer and printer right now, but any therapist that can't understand why you'd do it isn't worth your time. It's not douchey at all. Just tell them you're tired of having to go through all the information (which often increases with each new therapist and experiences with your illness(es)) . It's completely reasonable.

[toomanycats]

A good therapist will not think it's anything negative. It's your session, your time, and you can bring something written, talk aloud, read to them, whatever. It's absolutely ok.

My second T asked me to email him an overview of "my story" before our first session. It was very helpful, both for me to take the time to write a coherent summary and I could tell he read it thoroughly and with interest because he had comments on many parts of it when we met. (It was also informative enough for him to see a lot of similarities between us, but that's another story.) I did not need to start with basics at the meeting and it took away the discomfort of bringing up some things in person. I wrote far more than just basic data, it was more like an overview of my personality, main issues I wanted to address and some others connected to it, some info on my interests, thinking style and emotional style, family, life in general. It wasn't a novel though, about 1.5 half page typed with single space. The downside was that he was so interested and talkative about the email info that I hardly got chance to ask my interview questions... but I asked them later (again) in email.

I would recommend it to anyone if the T is willing to read it in advance. And if you cannot or don't want to send it in advance, I think there is nothing weird about giving it to them at the appointment. I don't see it much differently than going to a doctor with documented medical history.

[InnerPeace111]

I would absolutely print out an overview and bring it to the initial consultations. I have found therapists highly receptive to this idea. I wish you all the best in your search.

[Lemoncake]

It sounds like a really good idea!

[here today]

You're the boss, Calilady! Whatever helps you decide who to hire, in as quick and easy and hopefully effective way as possible. If they think it's douche-y -- well, then. . .seems like that would exclude them from consideration?