I have had those disengaged types who sit there and act as though I'm reading them a lunch menu, and they are just awful. The one I see now is not syrupy and phoney, but she is very human and responds like a normal person, only with the ability to ask for clarifications as I plow through. When I cry or sob, I just keep talking and answering questions, so there aren't any silences.

Thankfully, she doesn't make trite statements like, I'm so honored that you told me, or You're brave for saying that. I have gotten upset with her for something--really upset, but not angry/yelling, just more hurt--and she was genuinely sorry, tried to remedy the situation, and when I wanted to move on she asked if I felt okay enough with the other topic to do that. So much better than those other nitwits who just sit there.

You were smart to leave that therapist. I hope you find a better one. They are out there. God knows where. But they are.