I was lucky enough to have a former college roommate who became a vocational social worker who was not intimidated by therapists. She reminded me that I seemed optimistic in early therapy with one woman, but took a nosedive in group therapy. Her words "when you called me tonight, how did you expect me to advise you?" I hoped she'd give me the support/permission to leave the therapist. It was difficult because he was quite contemptuous and authoritarian. I had to deal with weeks of his rage before I could make a break.

So in Betty's words (not her real name) When you posted here, what kind of answers did you hope to get?

It's not for them. It's all for you.