When I leave her office she always says “bye my dear.” Or just “bye dear.” And part of me doesn’t mind it because the word is gender neutral but at the same time I’m wondering if she’s taking me seriously when she says that. She almost called me ma’am right after I told her I am trans but she caught herself just in time.

Does your therapist use any words like dear, hon, or sweetie? How does it make you feel?