As a follow up, I brought a guest to therapy once and paid for an extra long session. This guest was a family member who needs help and lives in another place.

I wanted T to meet this person and recommend a T closer to the person's home, or at the very least, explain what therapy is about.

My T listened to my family member intently and made comments on my family member's life. It was fascinating. I got to observe a session with my T, basically. And I learned that T definitely has a style and a way of trying to make the talker see situations in a different light.

It makes it easier for me to not get too attached to my T. Because I can say to myself, "I know my T is like this with everyone." Or, "my T is complimenting me and there is probably some truth to this compliment, but I also know that this is T's go-to compliment for survivors of abuse."

A little sad for me, maybe, but I like reality better than fantasy.