Pretty raw and real, mcl. I guess all that I can say is that I don't believe any therapist who "loses it" and shouts back at a client is acting in any way, shape or form in a theraputic manner. I do believe that we, as clients, often lose our focus and control in therapy, it's what happens, in my opinion. If the therapist responds in kind, then things become confused, unmanagable and non-therapeutic.

I know that in my own therapy I've often been lost and confused. I responded in a way that would be seen as "lost in transferance" and I don't know if that was where you were in your battle with this therapist, but I do know, without question, that responding by yelling and degrading you in the session was downright wrong on the part of this therapist. I GET it that I sometimes push my therapist's buttons . .. I confuse her, frustrate her and make her question her own competence. But she has NEVER responded to me in a way that expressed this confusion or frustration. She has sat and remained calm in the midst of my emotional storm. I sometimes leave my sessions angry and vowing never to return . .. but when the storm subsides and I am able to evaluate what happened, I understand and respect her ability to stay consistent and still in the midst of my storm. I hope you're able to find someone who is able to do the same. The individual you were seeing wasn't able to do that. His ego got in his way. . . he was too invested in how he was viewed by you ... can we all say, "narcissistic"?

Hope I haven't offended you by my bluntness regarding this "therapist". Good luck finding someone who is more equipped to deal with the issues you're willing and wanting to bring to him/her!