RoadRunner, I have a similar problem... mask = defense mechanisms... I cut to the chase around appt #3... I told my T. if you ask me how I am doing you will always hear fine... I will always minimize how I feel... I will always down play things... and if I can figure out how you want me to act... I will probably act that way...

I couldn't just make myself stop doing it...happened instinctively but I knew myself well enough to recognize it and tell him... I figured that gave him a 3 month jump on figuring me out. Hope you find a way of letting your new T. know ....