I know it is not quite the same as what you asked, but I was really worried early in therapy about "inflicting" some of my worst trauma memories on T. I told him this when we were trying to get at what was blocking me from sharing. He said he hears that all the time from clients and he reassured me he is very, very strong and has heard really intense and horrifying stuff from clients and he is sure he is strong enough to receive my memories.

As to whether T can stand "me" at full strength, I think he can. I don't hold back (that much). One time he did tell me, though, that he thinks my husband is intimidated by me (he knew my husband as we had done some couples therapy also). As time has passed, I have been curious about that comment and wondered if there was a bit of projection there. I want to ask my T if he is intimidated by me.

Pachyderm, have you tried telling your T your fears he may not be able to handle you? I bet if you tell your T, you will get the reassurance you need.