I just thought of something. You know how when parents have a toddler, and they decide to go somewhere without them, so they get a babysitter? But when the parents leave the house, the toddler get distressed and bursts into tears, feeling like they can't live without their mom and dad? But then later (hopefully), they calm down and get busy doing other things?

Do you think that by not responding sometimes, my t could be trying to train that dissociated child part of me that even though it feels horrible when I need her and she is not able to respond, I can survive it and won't die? So that, over time, it strengthens me?

Again, I can see the validity of that approach. But still, it seems so...I don't know...mean I guess.

Is that really the best way? Would responding more frequently be coddling? Would it keep me from getting stronger? I dunno...it still feels, in my heart, like I do need more support. It feels...somewhat too withholding.

Maybe my t and I just can't figure out how to find the balance and "get it right."