therapy has helped me become more assertive, direct and honest about my needs without concerning myself with other people's opinions. it's helped me challenge the instrusive, pushy controlling women I encounter in a way that enables me redirect their unsolicited advice, their gas lighting and entitlement of my time, experiences and attention. it's taught me nobody is entitled to anything from me and it's up to THEM to understand that rather than the burden being on me to explain it. as a survivor of abuse this has been very healing and empowering for me.