Thank you kimmy. It helps so much to know you appreciate how big a deal this is for me. I'm hoping that I can maintain this; losing it is my fear. I have had so many episodes of depression and I have done the CBT before, but this time it really is becoming automatic. The problem is when the chemical imbalances happen making sure I keep my thinking straight, and at the moment I do doubt my ability to do this. HOwever, my hope is that my T will help me find a way to change at the deeper levels. He has spoken of "Schema therapy" and I am really hoping that this will, as it suggests, help me to change my deeper beliefs about myself so I will not slip back so readily in future.
I haven't "done" the asserting in any confrontational situations yet. That challenge is yet to come...
Nonetheless, I am hopeful, and I'm looking forward to talking all this over with my T on Thursday. Your vote of confidence in me means a lot.