((((((BJ)))))),

You NEED to go. You need to verify whether or not she was really listening.

I always believe that places (situations) where we are the most uncomfortable are the areas that we need to work on. Do you have feelings of not being heard by other people in your life?? Maybe this is something you need to explore with her

Speaking only for myself, I learned a lot of ways of coping to keep me safe during my childhood and during the time after my brother's suicide. A lot of those coping techniques either just aren't needed anymore or they're actually interferring with my being able to participate in healthy relationships. For me, a lot of that came up in the way that I interacted with my doctor. For me, it turned out to be good that I could sort of "rehearse" in a safe situation things/behaviors that I wasn't too sure about anymore.

Trust your instincts, BJ. But, also realize that some of the "avoidance behavior" was learned to keep you safe a long-long time ago. Maybe it's not needed anymore.

I know how hard you're working. And I remember the similar feelings that I had when I was in therapy. You're doing a good job

Barb