Definitely strong points and very real indeed.

I myself, was not close to my father AT ALL. It was my mother that I was closer to, but not by much. Our whole family just wasn't close at all.

Can relate to the flirting thing, because, well, I'm a big flirt! However, I never considered flirting with a therapist while in session - how could one possibly come off as "attractive" when telling one's therapist stuff that would shock most of society?

As for manipulating, I can certainly relate, because, well, I'm a big manipulator! However, I always tried to be aware of this fact - even mentioned it to my therapist to watch for signs of such - because "gaining control" over my therapist would not help me one iota. What sort of progress could ever be made if I were to act like he was just another joe off the street? Gaining an upper hand with my T would never have allowed me to listen and learn from him.

I try to be just as aware when I am in sessions with female T's as well. Again, taking control would afford me nothing.

Please don't think I am trying to be argumentative or arrogant. I find all your points valid. In my case, therapy was VERY IMPORTANT to me - my life was at stake. I thought things out very carefully and made my T's aware, at the very beginning, about certain behaviours I use to get my way. This stopped me from using these behaviours before I could; and I definitely would have tried to use them.

Who knows, maybe things would have been alot different and/or more difficult had I had a sexy therapist!

AS