Yes, that's true. Thanks for reminding me. Most of the time I think that, but then I read something like what the counselor wrote, and it makes me wonder...

Thanks. I don't know why I need reassurance on that because if someone wrote what I did, I would probably reassure them too. When I go to therapy these days, I don't feel needy. I was a lot needier in my first year. I feel really busy and wonder if I can even fit therapy in, and then I do go, and it can be really helpful. (It helps me face up to and work on problems in my life, rather than sweeping them under the rug in my typical avoidant way.) When I was in this really awful car accident right in front of T's building, I called him on the phone and he didn't answer of course as he was in session. Then I apologized the next day for calling him. I said I don't why I called, I knew you couldn't answer. He was pleasingly annoyed, "You called because you needed my support!!!" (you dufus you). So yes, this is a continuing refrain in my therapy, that I can have needs and express them and it is OK. Then Mr. Counselor comes along and says needy clients suck counselors dry and it nudges me off balance.

I did think the language the counselor chose sounded hostile--talking about the clients sucking him dry and using weapons against him. It made him sound very adversarial (and somewhat paranoid) and not someone I would want sitting across from me (unless I had a shield). Maybe clients use "weapons" against him because of his adversarial stance. As ye sow, so shall ye reap?