Halliebeth,

I think you are so lucky to have a mom who cares about you going to therapy. When I was a teenager, I was asking for help and constantly being told that I didn't need it, didn't have any real problems and was just selfish and immature. I was 19 before I was able to start therapy, and it took me many years after that (off and on) to find a T who I felt understood me and was able to help. I mourn for all those years that I was lost and didn't know what I wanted to do, and didn't think that I could anyway, and didn't think that I was any good to anyone. You have support now, and you can go to therapy and work on what you need to so that you don't have to go through life being depressed and living with painful emotions that make you want to hurt yourself.

You can quit therapy if you choose. That's your right. But I hope that you will consider what is going to help you the most with your future. If this therapist helps you, then why not keep going? If not, then it's not only your right to quit, but also to look for another therapist who can give you what you need.

I also understand the need to assert your independence. My parents tried to make me live with them and go to college wherever they were (and they moved around all the time). It took me until my second year of college to work it out, but I asserted my independence by leaving home (and it was after that when I was able to start therapy). If this is about making your own decisions and planning your own life, then I encourage you to decide what you want to do with your life and make it happen. Just make sure that the choices you make take you to where you want to be.

(((((((hugs)))))))) if you want them,
Wendy