I get it, somewhat, the process, though I wouldn't choose that route for myself. I'm much more in favor of proactive measures, looking forward, developing techniques for living more fully and not dredging up the past except to acknowledge that X happened and I feel THIS WAY about X. Not getting into WHY I feel THIS WAY about X. Obviously X did something real bad to make me feel THIS WAY... But that's another thread.

Having said this, I'm absolutely in favor of whatever works for YOU. For my AA brother, I think there are meds that would allow him to "process" his abuse without becoming a weeping mess. We're in a depression (the experts call it a Recession) and no, this guy has no choice but to work and pay the bills. I think he's now eligible for SS so the load may ease a bit, if he's coherent enough to research his new benefits.

My friend (not the guy who's in therapy) who is a reticent guy , was disturbed enough by what he saw at work, to make a call to the therapist and explain what was going on. At the very least, the therapist should take into consideration everyone involved. The guy who leaves the therapist's office doesn't step out into a vacuum, he steps out into a real world, full of other people. Regardless of whether dredging up the past is fruitful or futile, the therapist should be handling his situation better.