In my opinion, your T really missed an opportunity here. Your desire for him to stand (and be more mindful regarding his parting words) isn’t about the farewell greeting etiquette itself..... it’s about something much deeper in you. Yet he took your “demand” at face value. He really missed the mark. He should’ve immediately recognized this isn’t about him at all (or about sitting or standing). This is relational. This is deep and important. This is the core of your pain and vulnerability. He should be diving into the work with you right now...into YOUR work right now....not writing a semi-defensive email that’s really all about himself.

I want to say to him... “save the defensive foot-stomping for your own therapy, dude. This is about LT! THIS is the very work she needs to do. Help her look inside and get in touch with that pain and vulnerability- instead of shaming her and scolding her for expressing needs, wants, and desires. Of course you don’t have to stand if you don’t want to (insert eye roll)....it’s not even about that and it’s definitely not about YOU. Put your precious ego back in your pocket. Any decent therapist should immediately recognize the intense pain and fear behind LT’s “demand” and show some authentic empathy, interest, curiosity, support...and a desire/willingness to work WITH those feelings, explore those feelings, invite those feelings into the therapy room....not shame and push them away.”

Ok I’ll shut up now.