Hi there everyone...i've posted a few times previously

I've been diagnosed with bipolar 1 and ADHD...

I've been with the psycologist but now i'm going to the psycotherapist that he works with at my next visit

my question is this: what do i say? what do i tell them? do i make a list of what's "wrong" with me? (Or what I think is:eyebrow: )

I've never been down this road before and any advise i can get would be so gratefully accepted.

i appreciate it.

regards

You can make a list of what you would like to cover if you feel comfortable doing that...and there is NOTHING "wrong" with you! But keep in mind that the conversation may take a totally different turn. I have worked closely with many therapists of all tpyes (professionally) and that is a common feat facing almost everyone who seeks therapy. Just be yourself. Walk in and tell him/her about nerviousness and not knowing what to say. Use humor if that makes you comfortable. I once worked with a teen who would arrive at all of his appointments and say "here I am now, entertain me!" (from a Nirvana song) and he always got a chuckle or blank look. Basically, don't change who you are and talk to the therapist like you would anyone else. In the end, they might end up knowing things your spouse/best friend will never know. And maybe even a few things you didn't! If there are things in your life you would like to discuss, make it clear that it is important to you. Hang in there and good luck!

You don't need to approach it from the point of view that there is something "wrong" with you. You can talk about characteristics or behaviors that you wonder about or would just like to talk about. Hopefully, s/he may ask you some questions to get the ball rolling (I really prefer that a therapist say something, but some people don't.) Think of it as a chance to talk without worrying about someone else's reaction and to talk about what matters to you.

Yup. Bring a point form list of concerns and questions.

Too many people forget what they wanted to ask, or forget to mention their related details -- esp. when dealing with multiple concerns.

I've been down this road a number of times.

Finally I reached the point where I said, "This is bothering me, but it really doesn't matter what "this" is, because if it wasn't that, it would be something else. I'm easily bothered and can't stand feeling this way anymore."

About making a list: keep some paper and pen handy between now and the appointment. It never fails that I forget important things that I'm sure I won't forget.

I've seen my therapist for about 5 years now, on and off and I would always sit down and I would immediately freeze and not know what to say. I think writing stuff down is a good idea, that way if you freeze like I do (yup, still do it sometimes), then you have something to refer to.