The main thing I've missed the most in the therapists I've seen, is some basic initiative about guiding sessions. For instance, if I brought something up in a previous session that was pretty disturbing, I would like to have the T open it up again next time. I often need that kind of help.

I realize Ts are trained not to impress themselves on the session too much, in order to give the greatest possible scope to the client. But especially around painful things, I think it's important for Ts not to enable the client in avoidance. There should be some judicious prodding around these things. For God's sake, at least bring it up and ask if the client wants to revisit. If they don't, fine.