counseling made me feel worse

[colleen01]

well, I went back to counselor today and we discussed last week.  She explained herself to me as I told her I was a little upset last week.  It went really well,as it should.  Thanks for all of the input.

[Pen]

That's wonderful, Colleen! Thanks for the update.

[Doe]

Do you feel better after reading and posting here?    If you do, just let that be your therapy for a while.  Take the money you're spending on this person and go have some fun.

We are not licensed therapists and cannot condone using this site as therapy.

Oh, for what it's worth, I was using this definition of "therapy" from Macmillan Dictionary:
 an activity that makes you feel happy or that helps you to deal with your problems
http://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/american/therapy

[colleen01]

thanks Doe and Pen.  The best thing that came out of my return visit was learning how a "safe" relationship should be.  When I said I was upset about the previous visit, she listened, didn't get defensive, didn't pull power(which some do), and I felt heard,validated, and trust.  This is how it should be. When you're family of origin is not "healthy" where you can't "feel" upset, and are dismissed, or worse, laughed at,it's so good to find that "normal" to a point is out there.  There are people, other than family, that are good for you. You will have conflict most likely, but you work it out, and move on. They don't "pretend" it's worked out and talk behind your back,that's a friendship.  That's what I learned.

[Doe]

Oh, good.  I'm glad it worked out for you.

[Pen]

Doe, we have to post the reminder about not being professionals to avoid possible issues of a legal nature. Sorry if that wasn't clear; I know you didn't mean that we would literally be therapists. We have to cover ourselves, can't be too careful