YES! I get this!

Is talking about myself for an entire hour attention-seeking?

I think the difference is that the so-called attention seeking clients are not the ones asking this question.

If you're trying to be respectful of your therapist's boundaries and all that stuff, I think you're ok.

I mean, if it weren't for people wanting to focus on themselves for an hour, therapists would be out of business.

We can argue that therapy:
1) helps one live one's best life

2) helps one to be a better spouse, parent, friend, boss, teacher, or human being,

3) allows one to outsource a function (trusted listener) that used to be filled by parents, communities and churches

In other words, lots of cultures the world over have trusted others to talk to. I grew up blue collar working class and the trusted listeners that the adults talked to were the hairdresser and aunts and uncles!

I also think of Wayan Nuriasih, from Eat Pray Love, who was a traditional Balinese medicine woman. People go to her, talk about their problems, and receive some herbs.

Chinese culture has similar things.

Therapy is just our version. Dang expensive, too. And we assign labels and education to the therapist, so they can feel more legit in our western society.

But you and I are not alone in needing and wanting someone to listen.