I never found the therapist to what I would call supportive or comforting -but I really didn't look to them for that. It isn't why I hired them. I never felt safer or anything positive having to do with them - certainly not more than in my real life. I am fascinated to see that others do - I have friends in real life who I know think of their therapist as a safe haven or place of comfort - boggling to me but there we have it.

I saw the second woman at art shows and such because she considers herself an artist and a friend of mine is one and they had stuff showing at the same time. It didn't bother me and we just avoided each other. I doubt the first one would recognize me out of context and I doubt I would recognize her either - but as long as she stayed back - and I know I would have no urge to engage with her (I didn't have all that much of an urge even when I was paying her) -it wouldn't bother me