Anger is tricky. I tend to view it much like BirdDancer described. It depends on the variables involved and the result it achieved. I feel there are perhaps more evolved emotions to leverage as catalysts, but anger can certainly be effective.

Therapists are humans like we are and they fail a lot. In their defense their job is like walking constantly through a field of land mines except everyone's looks completely different. That's hard work... I think it is a give and take and an open heart is as important as an open mind. It sounds as if the open heart wasn't really there for some of the therapists you mentioned. That's a shame for sure.

I can also see the point of the therapist that suggested uncovering things might be harmful, but I think that leaves a person limited without genuine healing. I agree that perspective offered to you was confusing. In my mind the point of employing a therapist is to have a guide to walk you through the uncovering in a way that might be painful, but generates healing. Or in my case I have often leveraged my therapist to discuss the discoveries and revelations I've uncovered on my own. She has helped me look at them from various angles and I've been able to find deeper meaning as a result. I've been my own tour guide and she's like the good friend I share all of my adventures with. All kinds of models can work.

Fuzzy, what characteristics does the ideal therapist hold for you? What kind of temperment do they keep? What kinds of therapy do they offer? Do they push you, or let you explore on your own? How do you feel when you're there?

You don't need to reply with any of that. I'm just curious if you've had time to visualize what a healthy therapy experience would feel like for you. I think it is possible to find it in any forest online, in your home forest or otherwise but you need to know what it feels like so you recognize it when it comes along. You're definitely in tune with what you don't want. I think that's a superb start!

Anyone you work with is a teammate. If they aren't meeting your expectations you have every right to question the path you're on and seek an adjustment. If they refuse and cannot lay out a strategy and prove their methodology to be superior and valuable then they aren't the right teammate for you. There's no shame in walking away from a bad fit.

I think it is brave of you to be open to trying again considering how you've been treated. I truly hope you find the right fit in the near future.