(((yodakitty5)))
Many well thoughts your way. I hope you can find support, whether that's PC or else where.

I hope that your situation with your ex and son gets better .

Therapy can come in many forms, and not always in a doctor's office-- though I have had my own stories with past professionals, but I always try to take something from it all.

Though I do believe it's unacceptable that therapist use their patients as their own therapy; however we are dealing with other humans, even though they have degrees and education.
At times I have felt like if I had a friend or two I wouldn't seek out a therapist and pay them to be my friend in a way.. I am still on my journey with this myself.

Friends are hard to come by for me as well, or at least what I would like as a friend I guess some times. .my last t would ask me "what's a friend to you?".... wish for more bonding, support, hanging out..but perhaps my expectation is too high? Not sure if you relate, ... I've been told those things are acceptable for a friend.

I know there's a meetup app to meet people and do things of similar interst, I have thought of that- still haven't done it but a suggestion perhaps.
"Friends are made by______" ...

Sometimes I overlook friendship. Like work friendships -- if I am honest there's some folks I joke with that I don't joke around with everyone.. and yeah we support each other in the workplace... if I allow it .. there's still days I isolate..

I do enjoy my time alone and even doing things on my own, but still the human nature of wanting a connection still resides...

In my case, I have my ex as a friend for outside of work, I don't have family and he is the closes I have-- even though I felt like we retraumatized ourselves within our relationship due to ignoring ourselves

I struggle with what to do-- what to focus on-- goals -- but I am constantly told those things enhance life.... not sure if that's something that would be a valuable suggestion?

Sorry if this is long and isn't helpful but many well thoughts