Oh no, I think this is big and I get it. If this is your default setting and you got a glimpse that maybe, just maybe that setting is incorrect, it really hurts when it feels like it's reset back to the original.

Your T's response, though likely well-intended, unintentionally reinforced what you were trying to "unthink".

But I don't think it was with malice of forethought, or with any kind of "oh god, not this again".

I think she simply made a mistake. A simple mistake. It happens.

Out of all of your therapy, is this mistake sufficient to throw the whole thing away? The caring you've felt, the good time you've spent with her, the progress you've made?

I've been in very similar situations with my T and the pain is very very real. Believe me, the desire to run, point the finger at the mistake and say "aHA! see I was right all along! Nobody cares!" is very strong. It's what I was programmed to do.

I chose to stay in the relationship, fight through the rupture with my T, and have come out the other side a lot better for it.

One mistake does not have to derail anything and it doesn't have to undo all the good that has been done.

I think in many ways, the relationship with our Ts is simultaneously completely different, yet exactly the same as other relationships we have in our lives.

Both kinds of relationships are marked with a lot of joy and caring, and a lot of heartache and disappointment.

Sometimes it's about absorbing the hurt, talking about and forgiving the mistakes, and finding ways to avoid them in the future. Well, until the next one comes along.

Your T, in this case, should be responsive, open to how you feel about what happened, and apologetic.

THis doesn't have to be the end, or mean she doesn't care.

Peace to you.