Thanks very much for starting this thread. And it occurred to me, too late, that some people don't like to have only incomplete parts of their posts quote, so I'm sorry if my doing that concerns you.

Yes, I agree, therapy is complex. I'm in the process, I think, of going no-T, against my T's current preferences, I think, but it seems to me like I may finally have the self-confidence (and "better" sense of self) to be able to do that. Which may then mean, in my case, no more need for T? We'll see.

I've also been helped a lot by discissions here online and some in-person peer support which is fortunately available at no cost where I live.

Spirituality seems also important but I haven't yet found a place to "land" so to speak -- the religion I grew up in doesn't quite fit and though I find value in several others I don't yet feel comfortable in any one community. But maybe that's something I long for that is not required. I long for belonging just generally, as part of the issues that I had.