My therapist does validate and normalize things.. and its helpful to me. But then again, I feel connected to her. I don't know if its that I 'need approval' or not. To me it's just a matter of me talking about something that is distressing to me, and her way of responding leaves me walking out feeling better.. like I'm not a freak.

I don't think she's trying to do anything to me, or playing games, or tricking me or manipulating me. Probably because she earned my trust. So the emotional intimacy of that process does not feel dangerous to me.. at least with her anyway.