I think what Miss C said makes sense. Often, I feel like I do that spiral down, land then realize I learned something in the process. Echoes, if you've had good sessions, then you ARE capable of connecting. You just have to continue to work on how to make these connections occur more often. When I first started therapy I honestly thought I had some brain disorder that prevented me from feeling things that others felt. I've since learned that I don't have a brain defect, I just have trouble allowing myself to use that part of my brain. Now ... I'm not good at it and still disconnect and still get mixed up interpreting social cues, etc... but I know it is possible.