It's so interesting to read others experiences with therapists.

I have had just the opposite experience to yours salukigirl. The male T. I had was condscending and would "one up" my experience either with his own experiences or another client's..... while the females I've seen have said things like "Gee, I can't believe your mother did that!" or "How have you managed as well as you have"..... and things like that.(I felt validated) Seems men relate to not being nurtured when young and some "one up me"- as you say..... but most females got some kind of nurturing so they seem(on average-- but not all of course) to be "motherly" and compassionate towards me-- which helps to put down my guard a tiny bit.(though I do struggle with either gender,*sigh*)

Maybe, in your case, if men where your main abusers(and perhaps you don't yearn for the "female" connection) then it might be healing for you to have a man give you kindness and compassion...??

I have had abuse from both genders.... so I think I'm a hodgepodge...

mandy