This is odd because I've had plenty of therapists who have said "I'm sorry you feel that way." All of my therapists and my two most recent pdocs have been very empathetic and encouraging and I felt like offered me emotional support. Not like they were emotionally invested, but I felt like they acknowledged my emotions and understood that they were distressing me and genuinely wanted me to feel better about myself and my life.

If empathy is what you need, and people who can truly look at you and validate you, I would suggest some group support meetings. In fact, I have found group support meetings way more helpful than therapy. Because it's a group of people who validate me and understand what I'm feeling. NAMI is a great place to go. Also places like Emotions Anonymous or, if you fit, Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families (ACA). They are judgment free zones where you will receive a lot of empathy and personal care.

It just sounds like she was a bad therapist. They exist. None of my Ts have been outright bad, they just didn't fit my needs. Like I had one who worked out of a church and she had a religious background. She was very sweet, but I just began to feel uncomfortable after a few visits, so I switched. She wasn't bad, just not the right fit for me.

I get it about your mom or family not being there for you emotionally. That's why these support groups are so great. You get that support and validation you need from people who truly understand and don't judge.

Hope this is helpful. And for what it's worth, I am sorry you are going through this.

Seesaw