[gloamingone]

Two weeks ago my T hit the nail on the head. She said I'm starved for validation, because no one in my life has ever validated my feelings. She also said that if it continues, I will start feeling invisible.

My whole life I've felt horribly invisible. Now that someone has actually acknowledged the problem, I feel such a great need to have someone say to me, "That must hurt," or "I hear you," or "I'm listening."

It's hard when your T points out a desperate need in your life but doesn't tell you what to do about it. :-(

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[Ellahmae]

I could have written that same thing - and trying to figure it out myself right now

[gloamingone]

Originally Posted by Ellahmae

I could have written that same thing - and trying to figure it out myself right now

I'm so glad someone else can relate! It's 6:45am and I'm already crying because I don't know what to do.

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Your therapist pointed this out...but she doesn't provide any of that for you? That seems like one of the few things a therapist can do well (if she is genuine about it).

[gloamingone]

Originally Posted by licketysplit

Your therapist pointed this out...but she doesn't provide any of that for you? That seems like one of the few things a therapist can do well (if she is genuine about it).

She offered to get me into a PTSD support group at her practice, but that was two weeks ago, and I haven't heard anything. I see her again tomorrow, so I'm going to bring this issue up.

I hope she doesn't say "just get new friends." Hah! I've been in this city since 1997 and still haven't managed that!

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Do you have a good relationship with her? I ask because I can relate to the issue, but I have a therapist that's genuinely validating--nothing phoney or practiced about it--and it's been incredibly helpful. I don't get that anywhere else, and for now it's just enough and exactly what I need.

She doesn't say things like "that must hurt" but she does have a way of acknowledging the truth and listening well.

[gloamingone]

Originally Posted by licketysplit

Do you have a good relationship with her? I ask because I can relate to the issue, but I have a therapist that's genuinely validating--nothing phoney or practiced about it--and it's been incredibly helpful. I don't get that anywhere else, and for now it's just enough and exactly what I need.

She doesn't say things like "that must hurt" but she does have a way of acknowledging the truth and listening well.

I haven't been seeing her for too long (a few months) but we seem to have a good relationship. She's an excellent listener, but sometimes I need validation outside of session. :-(

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