I don't think I'd appreciate it if apologies were always paired with excuses. Explanations can sometimes be offered after apologies, but this must be done in a way that doesn't diminish the apology. Explanations should only be offered if they might be of benefit to the person receiving the apology. That is the difference between excuses and explanations. As for checking to see if you're ready to move on, I personally would solve that part of it by just not moving on. She can't move on unless you do, too. Yes, it would be easier if she checked in with you. People in real life usually don't, though, so I'd try to look at it as an opportunity to practice being assertive. If she's too domineering for this to feel like an option, maybe a different therapist would be your best bet. But I would really try to be persistent once and see what happens.