I connected with my therapist of 9 years probably after a year. I was referred to him by the hospital after I was dumped by the therapist I was seeing then. I felt like I was going to have to convince the new therapist that I wasn't as "difficult" as the hospital claimed I was. He told me that I didn't have to explain myself to him to earn his trust. He pointed out that my behavior was consistent with what he would expect from someone in a mixed state. I was anxious at first about telling him about some of my deep secrets. He was patient and I was able to share these things when I became more comfortable. Our relationship continues to grow stronger. Of course, I get angry with him sometimes or disagree, but he is hard to upset.