I've never understood why it's considered an "allowance" for a therapist to schedule extra sessions during their normal work week (I get if it's after hours or weekend). Even the one I see now said to me during my first or second session that she's fine with scheduling more than once a week if I need it, and I was thinking...why wouldn't she be?

I do freelance work, and I never tell a client they are allowed to give me more projects if they need to; that would be arrogant. Besides, the idea of business is to have a going concern. I guess I just don't see the need to make a client feel like it's an extra bonus that they can be allowed to have or not have. It's not like the therapist is doing it for free. Am I missing something?

About birthdays: I would like them to be acknowledged, not for a birthday wish, but because I think they give a lot of insight into a) a client's relationships or lack thereof; and b) a barometer for how things are going emotionally. I have a hard time with birthdays because they are a reminder that I'm still here. I had a session on my birthday once (previous therapist) and it was not acknowledged. I was too distraught to even talk. When I mentioned it the following week, all I got was a nod. The one I see now keeps track of things in my life without being reminded and I am so grateful, I feel embarrassed.

It's interesting how therapists can make us feel good for doing normal things.