What is the concept of witholding, mirroring, validation, etc? Is it a technique they use and withholding is part of it? Sorry...just trying to understand so I can be on the lookout for that.

Also, I had a therapist once who stopped doing something kind when I said I appreciated it. It was horrible and shaming and put me on notice not to tell another therapist things like that. With the one I see now, I have tested this out and so far she has not reacted the same, but who knows if that will change. It's just awful how a therapist can worsen existing wounds so easily and without any apparent regret.