CBT session, is this normal?

[Nikinakin00]

I started some CBT sessions a few weeks ago for anxiety, self esteem issues.
However, through my sessions the therapist has come to the conclusion that I don't suffer with any of these and I am now waiting for diagnosis for ADHD (I'm 37!) I have issues with distress and stress which usually results in a meltdown but I quickly pick myself up and just go on as normal!
Anyway, I will probably end my CBT sessions now and my next appointment may well be my last but my therapist has asked me to come to the session early so we can go into the town and have the session over coffee.
At first I wasn't bothered but when I mentioned it to my friend, she thought that was odd!
Is is ok to do this? I'd just appreciate some feedback from others.

Yes - I had CBT sessions which revealed my mood patterns were more reflective of a borderline personality disorder rather than long-diagnosed depression. I was shocked/irritated/dismayed at first because, having worked in mental health, I was well aware that the borderline patients are the draining annoying ones everyone wants to get rid of ! However, it did help me to recognise patterns and deal with them more effectively (and hopefully not be one of 'those' patients...)

Also ADHD is a perfectly reasonable diagnosis to make in adulthood - it's not just a juvenile disorder. Hopefully, assuming it has been accurately identified, it will actually help your recovery and long-term management both in terms of therapy and correct medication, if needed.

HTH

ElphabaTheGreen - Thankyou for your reply, I am happy with the diagnosis as it makes a lot of sense to me. I was actually trying to force myself to be depressed as that's what I was being drip fed by professionals!
I wanted to know if it was usual for the therapist to ask me to meet earlier for a session and have it over coffee.
I'm asking because my friend said it was an odd request... I don't always think the same as others and I did t see a problem with it!

It is unusual. I'm not sure what I think, so I'm lurking to see what other posters say. I'm a support worker and do a lot of my work over cups of coffee with clients. It's a minefield!

Yes, I have had ASD mentioned to me during a therapy session, I do strongly suspect I am on the spectrum and it has helped me deal with the anxiety ( as I was told 'if I am on the spectrum it's unlikely to disappear so I have to just learn to deal with it' ).

I'm bumping in case anyone has an opinion on the CBT practitioner taking the OP for coffee.

Sorry - re-read the OP.

I wouldn't be surprised by a therapist taking a client for coffee. Happens a lot in CMHTs.

Thankyou for your replies, one for coffee and one on the fence. Much like what's in my head! Haha!
I think I'll probably just go!

Hmm, I think it depends on the purpose of the session. If it is basically just to sign you off, then perhaps it is okay...but how does the therapist propose to maintain your confidentiality in a public setting?

If there is any actual diagnosis or treatment taking place then I would be very unhappy & insist to be seen in usual setting.

I wouldn't want to have a session in a public place unless it was to work on a specific issue - fear of crowds or something. session is supposed to be time when you do what you want. if you are not happy don't agree. I think it shouldn't be in public.

A big no from me, work in MH and this would cause very raised eyebrows. I can see how it might work if you were having a last session with a CPN or support worker, but not a CBT therapist. Only time this would be appropriate if it was part of the treatment plan, e.g. working with agoraphobia, social anxiety to test out your beliefs and responses etc but this doesn't sound like the case for you.

Sounds odd to me too -experience working in vol sector mental health and of being a service user. I'd expect as previous posters said meeting in coffee shop or other public place to be used if for specific purpose ie building confidence out and about but actual work with therapist to be in appropriate private space. Is this therapist through Nhs? What is their clinical expertise re diagnosis? Coffee could be an appropriate ending for someone you have worked with intensely or over a long space of time. Is that the case?

Looked back at your op. it's a few weeks (and I gather weekly sessions) and he/she is proposing u have the session over coffee. Odd.
Would u feel comfortable and able to get what u want from session in coffee shop? Do u trust this person and feel comfortable in preserving your own boundaries with them?

Normally there would be a reason for going for a coffee with a client eg. if they were socially anxious etc. I guess if this is something you'd discussed in sessions it might be the reason but otherwise a little odd with no explanation.