Originally I decided to try therapy to learn more about myself and to get feedback on my thinking, emotional and behavioral patterns. I also expected to learn more efficient coping methods for some specific issues that are challenging for me. Help from the therapist to resolve my issues.

My experience has been that I hardly ever make brand new discoveries about myself using direct insight from the therapist but often the things we discuss or I experience during the process help validate or adjust my own perceptions. I also find the routine of going to the same place being met with the same interest from my current therapist helpful due to the consistency in it (it was not the case with my former T, he had a very messy style and it stressed me out a lot).

So I guess I am not so much finding in therapy what I originally wanted but perhaps it is also not what I need. What I want now is the consistent and relatively predictable interest and open mind from the therapist (my current T provides these) to be able to discuss things that I don't with other people or not in the same way. I also want the T to remain relaxed and open but firmly professional. I don't want him to serve some kind of authority or substitute figure, for me therapists can only play a unique role that do not replace other people or can be provided in everyday relationships that are more complex.