Oh wow. When you talked to her about this, did she understand that you're having nightmares and intrusive thoughts? Because, that seems like a pretty big deal to me, and makes it a different situation than just "being uncomfortable".

I also don't think it's uncommon at all. I saw my last T in four different offices (!). A couple of those moves were really rough... his final office was one that he purchased (his "forever office"!) and I really didn't like it. At all. It was huge, and I could hear people in other offices through the walls.

He worked with me to try to to figure out what I needed to be more comfortable. And, in the end, put up soundproofing (in the ceiling, I think?) so that I wouldn't hear the neighbors - which was pretty incredible of him, I thought. He also let me choose where to sit. Most clients sat in the therapy section, but to sit there, I couldn't see the door and I felt nervous that someone would come in, sneak up behind me, and listen (there was a bit of a wall there, so someone could theoretically get in the room but not be visible).

I ended up sitting on the couch (that apparently nobody else ever sat on, ever!) that had a clear view of the door. Even though the T had to take his regular desk chair (not his usual therapy chair) and wheel it over to sit in the couch area.

So. I don't think you're being unreasonable at all, though I can understand why she doesn't want to discount her rate. I like the idea that was posted about doing shorter (pro-rated) sessions to help get you used to the room, if that's what you want. It would be like "desensitization" for a phobia - and you could even ask her to work with you in that way - you'd do a short session there, but focus on how you're feeling, and on feeling calmer while you're there.

But do you think that's going to be enough? Intrusive thoughts from a childhood you don't remember tends to be bigger, more complex stuff to deal with. Which makes me wonder if a couple of 20 minute sessions to feel better about the room might not help much.

Is there anything else you can think of that would help you feel more comfortable with the room? Is there any way that she can actually put away the toys, so they're not visible? Or anything else that would help the space feel safer to you?

Since you said that you're not attached to her, do you feel like there's any value in continuing with her, specifically, versus someone new? Has she been helpful to you so far? If you weren't already seeing her, and your first session were in this room - do you think you'd continue, or find someone new?

I'm sorry you're going through this. It really sucks when therapy becomes about how to deal with changes/things in therapy, rather than in your life.