For the final counseling session, DIL gave quite a performance, being very teary and hurt by the way I had rejected her during the only time we ever met alone (no witnesses). My heart did not melt for her as she told her sad story because I knew she was lying about what happened. It didn't matter how many endless times in the past I had reached out to her for a relationship or to discuss problems (these were labeled as "demands" that I was making--can't win!), she sounded victimized over this one made-up incident. I responded I had reached out to her afterward to discuss it with her and she refused to do it. More tears and outraged hurt, enough to convince the therapist I was a cold you-know-what for not acknowledging DIL's deep hurt. It was awful to end this way, and DIL staged it purposely.
I went into counseling with DS/DIL with my eyes open, but I feel traumatized again by this abusive behavior. Of course, it was made worse when the therapist invalidated me and my feelings. I didn't have the choice of a therapist and early on I could tell she was labeling me as difficult. After this, I need to spend time building myself up emotionally again. I may have regained some kind of relationship with DS, but it was at a cost. I don't expect to see GC again for quite a while because this will be DIL's punishment for my standing up for myself. I did a lot of grieving this past year and I know I won't break over this. It just hurts a lot right now.
It has helped to write this out, but I could also use some words of support.
