Kit—I think a good therapist doesn’t say “can’t.” A therapist hung up on being an authority figure—as a pastor might see himself—does.

I think a good therapist says, “can not.” As in you *can* not self harm and I can help you with that.

This guy makes you feel worse in so many ways. With sh, he’s treating the symptom, not the cause. If you really want to try CBT or whatever his specialty is, I’d find another therapist.