To those who mentioned feeling "too smart for therapy" - I've felt that too (and it's a really, really hard thing to talk about, because it *does* feel obnoxious to say). I've actually mentioned it to this T... not in those words, but I've mentioned being in the (ugh) "gifted program" growing up, and that there seems to be very little research on the types of things that might come along with being in that group. I think there's something there.. but the conversation didn't really go anywhere. I've actually got a book that I've been meaning to read, but haven't gotten to it yet...

Unfortunately, it's not something that most Ts seems to learn about, or study, or that anyone really talks about. And, I don't know if it even plays in to what this research was looking at.

Thanks Cinnamon_Role... - you're right, it's a really good start that my current T is willing and able to talk about this stuff without taking it personally. Most of my previous ones weren't able to do that, and it led to less connection. That's interesting that your T is the first that's been willing to mention this to you! It's sort of crazy, isn't it?!?!

I think for me, part of what's so hard is that my sense of myself and my emotions feels almost discontinuous... I mentioned this to her. I've read a little bit about "ego states" and that makes sense to me... that I just fall into this puddle of emotion for a short period of time (i.e. despair, crying, misery) and then when it's done, it's almost unreal and not connected to my current experience. It makes it hard to talk about, b/c it doesn't feel real... it feels like I'm just making something up, I guess. It's weird.

re: Safety and caring, I'm not even sure what I need, that's the kicker. I have no clue why some people manage to hit those buttons so easily, and others can't.

How do you like your T's way of interacting with you? I think that part of the problem (this time!) is that my T can be very... eager. Jumping in, ready to say something! I end up feeling talked over (but we're working on that). But, it still feels like... we're not on the same page. Maybe that's the crux of it - even if she changes how she interacts, it still feels like her questions aren't really *helpful*. They don't feel like they lead me towards any great insights. I don't know, maybe I'm judging her too hard here? But there's something... argh!

You know the feeling when you're having a great conversation, and you're really in sync with the other person? You can tell that they're *getting* what you're saying, and their questions make you go, "Ooooh! Yes!!!! Exactly!!!" and think of 10 other things. I don't get that from therapy Does anybody?

Thanks...