It seems there's a balance. For some people this might be good because they never had anyone show them they deserve a kind and protective response to something that is hurting them. For others, it might feel like too much.

My therapist had a very visible and verbal reaction to some of my self-abuse talk. It was a very 'momma bear' moment. I could tell it was a gut reaction and, yes, it felt really good. I'd never had that kind of response about this kind of stuff and though unsettling at first, it put me in the mind set that I do deserve better.