If you're anything like me, lostmyway, you expect others to respond to you in a way that you are familiar with from long ago. When I was emotional with my family members, I was viewed as "over the top" or "too emotional" .. . and perhaps I was because I was extremely sensitive and passionate in my response to things. I would cry easily as a child when challenged by my father but that wouldn't stop me from challenging him. . . I had a bit of the rebel in me But my response usually lead to me being shamed or embarrassed in some way. Now I'm learning as an adult how to respond in a way that lets others know how I disagree but in a way that is modulated and rational. I do believe that your therapist is right in saying that he wants to be a parental model on how things should be done! I'm glad he's willing!