I have to jump in that I don't consider my therapist a friend. He's a nice guy, but he's a mentor or teacher or something like that to me. Not my friend, though he is friendly. It's distinctly different for me.

Campanula, I'm sorry you had such a bad experience in therapy, that's awful!

I can't remember when I last read the forum's rules. And I'm not sure what threads you felt like you couldn't say anything on. But I don't think it's unsupportive to have a different opinion!!! I think it's only unsupportive if you insist that another person's experience or outcome or reaction to therapy will be the same as your own. All therapists and all patients are different!

For me, I feel a lot of love for my T. I think about him often. It definitely impacts my work, my life, etc. For me, this is extremely helpful. I learn from him, I remember his suggestions, I use them to improve my life, etc. I expect I will feel less attached to him when I'm stronger on my own. For now I don't mind feeling dependent on him.

Sidony