Sarah, as others have noted, you seem to get stuck repeatedly on this issue of the therapist (or support person) not having your lived experience, so they can't truly understand and help you.

Have you looked into peer support groups in your area? You might find folks there with a more similar life situation/experience. The trade-off, of course, is the level of training and that such relationships are typically two ways, with giving and receiving support. On the other hand, at least in North America, such groups are usually free - and some people find them very beneficial.


Some groups in North America would include the DBSA (depression/bipolar support alliance), refuge recovery, and 12 step groups like emotions anonymous. If you have relatives/loved ones with addictions (treated or otherwise), you would certainly be welcomed into Al-Anon or ACOA (Adult Children of Alcoholics) groups also.