Thanks for the clarification, Crypts. For my own part, if I have gotten better over the years, I feel it is more in spite of most of the therapy I've had, rather than because of it. (With a couple of notable exceptions). Mostly thanks to those lay individuals who have cared about me and been patient with me.

And - it's also true that as I've learned more specifically what type of help I need, I can ask for it more effectively and am more likely to get it.