I really appreciate the feedback. It's been incredibly helpful for me, leaving me feeling less isolated.

I emailed T last night and shared what I was feeling....Not sure what the result of that will be, but at least I got it out. Holding it in would have eaten me alive.

With all your responses, I am now seeing how a "tough love" approach could be more effective if it was done with encouragement, helping to instill some confidence that I'm lacking...it didn't need to be by minimizing to elicit guilt and shame.

I hope my T responds in a helpful way, as I'm fearful that what I take away from this experience will do more harm than good with our relationship.

Wikid - Thanks so much for thinking of me! I have been stopping by to read occasionally, but I have been so zapped of any energy - being in this dark place - that I haven't been very responsive. I feel badly about that and am hoping that this downturn will let up soon....(( HUGS ))