Stepping into T's office today felt like putting on my cozy, fuzzy slippers. There's no way I see her only as "someone I hire to help me" although that is her role. Sorry, folks. I emailed this to her after my session:

"I'm beginning to pay less attention to the labels. I know you're my therapist and I'm your client but those are just the parameters; they don't define our relationship at all. We seem comfortable and compatible together; it's a nice feeling. It's more normal for me. I think it's that middle ground and I felt good to feel good with you. Maybe it's that "secure attachment" I'm supposed to have for you. I know that nothing will change when I go away or you go away. No matter what happens."

She lent me her book, Getting Past Your Past by Francine Shapiro, about using EMDR techniques. BTW, this book has about 18 out of 23 5 star reviews on Amazon. She also gave me a nice long hug when I left. I feel good about our relationship, better than I have in a long time. I don't feel like I want more from her than I can have because I feel like what I do have is good enough! I sure hope this feeling lasts.