I learn at least something from what other people say they observe about me, or think about me. Sometimes I like hearing this; other times I don't.

It's useful for me to think about how my self concept matches up with what others think.

My T is not big on the feedback thing. Most recently, it did help to hear her say "you've been dealing with XYZ rather than avoiding it." Now that is a very fact based statement, not so much open to interpretation as some other things are, such as "you are a good person" or "you are not to blame" or "I think it will all work out for you." I don't think she's ever said any of those things.

I don't see power as an issue in beliefs one way or another. What I choose to believe doesn't give or take away power from anyone else. If anything, I empower myself by willing to consider what others say as a reinforcement to what I believe. And if I change my self concept as a result of what others believe or if I decide to work on an issue that others see as problematic, then I am empowering myself to be a better person.

In general, I don't harbor fear of therapists nor do I think that they hold any power over me. I feel strongly attached to my therapist and I know she cares about me, and I would miss her if we had to stop working together. Ultimately, I would just get another one if I still needed help. None of these things mean that I have given any power away to the therapist. Therapy in general has helped me to feel the power that intrinsically is mine or me, and also to be less afraid of others lording their power over me.