How would you take this?

My therapist has been kind and open,
And while she's very kind , we are not doing any therapeutic things that target my severe crippling self doubt. Today, they said something that I just wasn't thrilled about. I was talking about my awful, sadistic mother, and she replied with, "You are not a child anymore"... That was in the middle of her reply, so it wasn't just that line only but I thought, is she saying it to act like I should've gotten 'over' the horrific trauma I went through because I'm an ' adult'.?

Or was it just to give me encouragement that I'm no longer helpless like a child? Either way I felt it patronizing. I Def didn't feel it was the latter , how she meant it. Would you feel a bit dismissed? My sister said it doesn't sound like the latter and that she wouldn't continue..esp. that she dismissed helping me to apply for disability due to my PTSD.

This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »

OlderSometimesWiser · F

I wouldn’t feel dismissed at all. I’d feel like the recipient of some very encouraging news. That I’m no longer the helpless child who’s at the mercy of her abuser. That I’m an adult now who can take back my power and effect change and healing. That I’m in control of my future.

So far as the disability goes, I really wouldn’t continue to dwell on that. Sounds like she was trying to give you a realistic idea of how challenging it is to get approved. I’ve had some experience with that myself and know that a large percentage of people get turned down the first time and have to get an attorney involved to try a second time and still there are no guarantees.

I certainly wouldn’t stop seeing this therapist. They’re never gonna say the right thing every time. Their role is to guide you on the taking the reins on your path to healing and it sounds like that’s just what she’s doing. Because ultimately the outcome of your life is in your hands.

Coralmist · 41-45, F

@OlderSometimesWiser She Def has offered a few more tips than others, and I was very grateful to her for saying a few affirmations that other therapists do not say. But as far as disability, this is a severe condition I have and it's preventing me from living and working. To complete shut it down saying I 'talk regular ' and that's why I won't be approved was very alarming. It's not true. It's hard to be approved but not impossible. I felt very shut down. But I can see she's a good person, she does want to help in some way, so I'm not going to Def leave, because I know many therapist offer NO tips. Thanks for your ideas🌼