"sides will be taken." - Actually, the therapist is not supposed to take sides, but to facilitate communication.

I totally agree with krimmj. I'll bet a lot of therapists would already figure this is a MIL who's way too involved in her son's life. But see how the T handles things. The T's got to make a living. Often the T will start out by saying, "How can I help you?" Let Mama answer that. She set this up. You're there simply as a courtesy because you were asked to be. If you get asked about what issues you want addressed, don't take the bait. Do not answer that question honestly. What you'ld like to see changed can not realistically be changed by any counseling sessions, IMHO. Just say some banal, bland stuff that no one can argue with (or criticise.) Be like a politician. "Well, I was asked to participate, and I'm here to be helpful in any way I can." You see - don't give the old bat anything to hang her hat on. She is just waiting for you to say anything she can twist.


Genesis 2:24

“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”


I put this quote here not for any religious reason. This was a wise saying written down more than 2000 years ago. That's at least how long people have been kicking around the issue of where does a married man's principal loyalty lie. They long ago figured out that an adult man cleaves to his wife . . . not to his mother. When two people "cleave" together, that means there is no daylight between them, like two "cloves" of garlic. There is not supposed to be any space in between them . . . no space for a MIL to squeeze herself into. Your husband has left a little space for Mama to insert herself into. Close that gap as best you can.

Last time I went for some therapy, it sure wasn't cheap. I'm wondering if Mama is paying for this. If so, she must be figuring on getting some return on her money. That could only mean more control of her son. So you might want to keep a skeptical eye on this whole undertaking.