I find this discussion of being in control of sessions, and whether it's better to be structured or not, very interesting. I feel like maybe it is a case of "whatever works best for the individual", and maybe need to try out both styles.

My T says sessions are mine, and for me to control, and decide what we talk about. T sometimes makes suggestions and may steer in a certain direction, or ask why I'm avoiding a topic, but I'm never pushed to talk about something I'm avoiding. Ultimately, this means that the structure (or lack of) is mine to decide, even though one of the things we are working on is handling chaos and not being structured, organized and in control. While still be in control during sessions, so it doesn't completely overwhelm me.

Ever feel like therapy is an exercise in contradictions?

This is coming out sort of rambley - sorry, but maybe it will make sense to someone else.