I do, but I don't really like him. I was obligated to do at least 4 weekly sessions at the university clinic because they decided something I had done qualified as a suicide attempt (even though it wasn't). So far I've had 3... he's alright, I guess; nice enough, but not really focused on long-term stuff, and I think... I think I might be smarter than he is? Don't like that either.

Anyway, yeah, perhaps I just have a false impression of what ADD/ADHD means. The "hyperactive" bit of the acronym is the reason it never occurred to me - I'm constantly lacking in physical energy, so it seems like a contradiction in terms. My friend claims that it can manifest as constant daydreaming and distractedness too, though, which does apply to me. And your struggle with the papers sounds really, really familiar. We also have similar procrastinating tendencies. I dunno - how did you first suspect/decide that you had it, if it wasn't through a psych person's suggestion? Or was it, in your case?

Your info on the meds is really interesting. It explains why the clinic told me that a certain therapist could prescribe everything except ADD medication (she was lacking the higher certification which would allow her to do so). It does sound like kind of a magic pill though, if you have the disorder. That's a very special thing in the world of mental illness; I'd pretty much given up on the idea. Antibiotics knock out my infections within hours, but SSRIs take weeks and then the difference is very hard to measure... Klonopin makes my anxiety go away, but at the cost of dependence and mild sedation.

As for therapists, yeah, quality of care can vary so dramatically. Have never heard of one being willing to give a free first session, though. Hell, I'd be happy with a free five minutes; usually it doesn't take me very long to form an impression. The things I look for are basic enough: compassion, someone as smart or smarter than I am, and a style of dialogue that makes me feel comfortable. I've had therapists who were REALLY silent during the sessions, just letting me ramble on - which I did, because I try to be a good patient, but I never liked it. I want feedback! Heh.

Not sure I agree with your assessment of male vs. female. As yet, I've not had a good experience with a man either, but I could see it working well if he fit the requirements above. It just depends on the individual, really. I feel like some of the men who work as therapists might actually be exceptionally good, since it demands a bit of a nurturing quality, and when that finds expression in men, it can be quite nice. Like... one time I had just finished a group session at the counseling center, and I was waiting to talk to the therapist one-on-one, because I was desperate and suicidal and felt like the group wasn't helping me. It was in the evening hours and the waiting room was empty, so I curled up in one of the chairs and started to cry really hard, thinking no one would notice/care anyway. But one of the male therapists walked through the room on his way home for the night, and he stopped and went to ask me if I was okay (even though I stopped crying the moment I saw him). That five-second interaction meant so much to me; I still remember it perfectly, almost two years later.

Okay, I'm being stupid with my meds lately, and I took too much of the Klonopin, so I'm starting to get all sleepy... argh, I really need to get things straightened out soon. Lots of work to be done. Thank you for the insights. I do have a couple of references to therapists in the area, so hopefully I can get in to see someone next week.