Thank you so much for your thoughtful response, FJ. I think knowing that current T has experienced the loss of a parent makes me feel less comfortable discussing it. Also, the T I saw prior to her seemed to completely change the minute I mentioned my father. (As if she was pleased I'd mentioned something she might be able to help with.) I'm not saying that P was disinterested before, but...that was what it felt like.

My fear is that talking about family in therapy might eventually lead to talking to family about family...and I can't imagine a scenario in which that would go well.