Hi Crypts -- there are certain ways of behaving in society that are acceptable and unacceptable. We DO need to conform to societal standards. Everyone does, or else we won't be accepted, liked, have friendships or relationships. There's no way around that.

But I don't think that therapy is intended for us to conform or mask ourselves. It is to develop stronger coping mechanisms and behaviors that will help us to manage our mental health issues and relationships more effectively. It is designed so that we can be productive, successful, happy and effective people in life.

That does not mean that we need to stamp out our individuality. People can conform to behaviors that are acceptable and still be individuals. But if you do or say something that is unacceptable, you will feel the repercussions through rejection. Like exploding on people out of anger, for example, or telling off your boss.

Learning coping and management skills is a way to become a member of society in a way that IS acceptable, yes, but that doesn't have to mean total conformity. You can still be unique and march to the beat of your own drum, yet also behave in ways that are generally acceptable by societal standards.