Sunrise,
You session sounds like it was really good. I had a comfortable session last week as well. I sat deep in the ugly couch, faced her directly and just had a relaxed conversation. I can honestly say for the first time I felt comfortable during the session. When I left I actually felt better than when I went in, this is a first for me. I think I've grown a bit too.

I think that accepting your teams special provisions without feeling embarrassed says a lot.

I wanted to just add that doing something for yourself after you have done for everyone else is a big thing too. I have yet to acknowledge to myself that I have needs of my own. Even when I think I've identified one or two personal wants or needs, they always seem to benefit another family member in some way as well. Last week my golf league started, I usually feel guilty about saying after the round to chat and socialize with the other ladies. I told myself, f*&^ it, I'm staying! I prepared dinner for H and the kids, and told H I'd be home late. Except for my kids waiting up for me on a school night, I didn't feel guilty at all.