Yes, I am currently seeing three therapists. My old one, who knows I'm looking for a new one because she's moved over 1 hour away. During the duration, my husband is driving me the 1 plus hour drive every other Saturday until I'm sure about her replacement. Her new group doesn't take insurance, but she's letting me see her for next to nothing during this interim.

The second (T1) and third therapists (T2) are prospective new therapists that practice within 18 minutes of my home. Normally I wouldn't "trial" two at the same time, but given my circumstances, it seems like the best avenue to take. Both take my insurance. My insurance will cover both with no problems.

It is a little stressful seeing so many therapists at the same time. In the past, I've seen two at a time for brief periods (one I had been seeing for a while and thought to replace, and another one that might be a replacement). But two prospective new therapists?

I guess I thought that one of the two new prospectives would be a clear-cut "No" after the first session, but that isn't the case. I've vetoed prospective new therapists in the past after one session, or at the longest three. My old therapist that we're driving 1 hour plus to see said most people usually know by the fifth session if the relationship will work out. I hope it doesn't take that long with both prospective new therapists.

The two prospective therapists are both very nice. I'll admit that most of what they've said in the first sessions was just in response to my long story-telling. I haven't yet gotten a sense for what they can offer me. I think I need to outline my goals for them and ask them what their initial approaches might be. That was sort of what T2 asked me to do.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can ask both prospective therapists that might help me make a decision? Or things to look for? These questions need not be asked on the same day.

As I said, both prospective therapists were nice and I felt comfortable talking to both. The main initial differences I observed were that T1 is a bit more formal than T2, who is a bit folksy. T1's office is much cleaner and more elegant than T2's, who has files piled up on her desk a mile high. T1 seemed to be analyzing me from the very start, where T2 seemed to listen closely, but almost seem excited that she predicted some of my bipolar type 1 behavior.

Both T1 and T2 seem to have the same qualifications and experience. The question is which would be able to keep me focused better. And what are their views on a strategy to meet my goals.

I don't want a therapist to be my friend, but I do hope they will learn to understand me and not judge me. I have scared off therapists in the past and angered some. I don't want that to happen again, though I am in a better place now than I was then.

[SparkySmart]

Not that you asked, but my vote would be for T1: Elegant, formal, cleaner office, more analytical. Folksy doesn't do it for me, and my last therapy experience was with a counselor who was excited about exploring bipolar. Ick. It's not so fascinating when you're living it. Her office was a disaster, and I'm an obsessive neat-freak.

I always resist stating my goals. I mean, isn't it obvious that I want to stop being bipolar? If that could be fixed, everything else would fall into place nicely.

Can't think of any questions to ask, though. Seems to me that you're observations are revealing.

[fille_folle]

I would personally be more comfortable with the "folksy" therapist. Formal feels awkward in therapy.

As for questions, I'm not sure. I'm the type who is too cowardly to ever question my therapist about anything.

[stopdog]

I always liked seeing more than one at a time.

[WarmFuzzySocks]

Originally Posted by BirdDancer

The question is which would be able to keep me focused better. And what are their views on a strategy to meet my goals

This is your question right here.