Regardless of the topic, I think it's invalidating for a therapist to say "I know it's real for you." Imagine a man telling a woman that when she raises the issue of being sexually harassed at work. I would want to double check with the therapist first, to make sure she wasn't just being clumsy with words, but she would have to be really convincing if that were the case (because of all people, a therapist should understand the impact of words and phrasing).

A secure upbringing can help people cope and contain a lot of intense emotions caused by ugly things in the world, but you know what? Sometimes, it's just feels good to have someone nod and say, "I hear you."