True enough. I have heard people say it to themselves when questioning their own emotions - as a way of reaching a place of self-acceptance. So... my reaction may be a bit unusual! Older T used to actually think about where my reaction fitted in, in the scope of reactions, generally, and for some reason I found this very 'normalising'. Telling me my reaction is valid - no matter how far off the chart it is - isn't soothing for me at all. As you point out - this may be a bit idiosyncratic. So frustrating to have to develop a new therapeutic relationship!