My previous T used silence as a technique I guess, and I really didn't like it. It was somewhat good for me, because I did learn to tolerate silence (I used to have the tv on in the background even if I wasn't watching it, just for noise.), but I definitely read into it that she found me annoying and frustrating, and wanted me to quit.

My mother definitely used silence as a punishment, so I do know where my fear comes from.