I also feel like Dr. T is doing some key things that my parents didn't do, like, for example, letting me know that you can be irritated with someone, but it doesn't necessarily damage the relationship. In other word, that someone can feel negatively toward you at times, but it's OK. I know I was really upset about that a couple months ago (and I still don't feel some of his methods are the best), but I think some of it is sinking in now.

I suppose the ideal, in terms of a parent, is maybe somewhere in the middle? I don't know. Being very accepting, yet also teaching, in part through example, that some conflict and disagreement are OK (which I didn't get from my parents).