Right from the outset, she has accepted my mistrust and skepticism and said she has to prove herself trustworthy.

Asked me gently at various points how she can make therapy feel safe for me.

She tells me she believes my painful childhood experiences even when I frequently express doubts because of my hazy memories.

Compassionate, validating and trauma-informed approach.

Shared authentic and genuine reactions without making it about her or blaming me.

Approaches with genuine, sincere heartfelt desire to connect with me no matter how hostile or shut down or defensive I have been.

Always has told me that I will be able to detect insincerity.

Shown genuine care, compassion and empathy for me from session one and still ongoing more than a year on.

Sees past my defenses into "the real me" and yet understands how being "seen" can be something I crave yet feel terrified and exposed about.