I told my T it seems like my mom is manipulative. He corrected me and said, "you feel manipulated." So I said, "yes - I feel manipulated." I took that to mean its important not to ascribe motivations to people and instead, state how their actions affect you. It's been helpful to me.

About stating needs up front - that's all fine, well and healthy. Unfortunately, I literally struggle to verbalize my needs. I don't know wtf they are half the time! I get into the therapy room and a lot of the time my mind goes blank. I have all these feelings and thoughts swirling around and I try to speak but it comes out all muddled up. I'm confused. It's actually quite terrifying to me. My T might think I'm doing this on purpose, I dunno. But I know for myself with 100% certainty that it's something that happens TO me. But I keep going to T every.single.week, like clockwork because I am bound and determined to overcome whatever the hell is going on with me.

If we all were at a place to have healthy, clear and interpersonally proficient interactions, we wouldn't need therapy lol