I Think Therapists Don't Really Care

12 Step programs emphasize total reliance on a Power who is greater than we are. A greater power of our own choosing.

"We have found much of heaven, and we have been rocketed into a fourth dimension of existence of which we had not even dreamed. The great fact is just this, and nothing less: That we have had deep and effective spiritual experiences which have revolutionized our whole attitude toward life, toward our fellows and toward God’s universe." bill wilson

bill was a total bum. wanted nothing to do with any religion or some god nonsense. in the deepest depression he had ever known, for a brief moment his fierce pride gave way to a sincere question: "If you are there, if you are real, Show me." His hospital room at 3 a.m. lit up with the whitest light he'd ever seen, and a wind blew through him. wind of the spirit he said. Never drank again and began trying to find others who needed sobriety.

When I hurt bad enough, I become willing to check into things I never dreamed i would.

In my opinion, it was insensitive of the therapist to share personal information with you. Especially after you told him/her how the matching PJs brought about feelings of loneliness. It is ethical for a therapist to self disclose only if it serves a therapeutic purpose. In your case, this was unprofessional and not well thought out on the part of your provider. Again, just my opinion. I wish you well and send you good thoughts and wishes.

@urmysunshine99 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! You have seen quite a few responses here already to your dilemma.

I would daresay that not all therapists are the same. We sometimes need to search for the one that seems to resonate with us. And if they say something that doesn't sit well with us, we have a choice to respond to that, or perhaps keep it within ourselves and mull it over, why did we feel wronged?

You mentioned in your post you were seeing a therapist because you are lonely. Have they talked about that, how you could overcome and work with that feeling? Do you feel you have made any progress in that department?
Ginger

I've had very good fortune with two therapists in a row (the first was married to a soldier who was relocated and had to leave, but the second has been equally good if not better). So from my perspective this isn't an industry-wide problem. The therapist inserting their own story into your treatment like this one has, however, strikes me as the person essentially making the session about themself. If the person you're working with isn't focused entirely on you and trying to help you get at the underlying aspects of the difficulties you're seeking help with, then I would definitely advise you to seek out someone else.

It can be really hard to find the right fit. But try not to give up.

Most people do not look forward to returning to the dentist. He or she may have to cause some pain and hurt. He doesn’t enjoy it but it may be necessary in order to “fix” your teeth. When it’s over, you’re relieved and feel better. And she did her job. I’ve heard it said that if you always look forward to seeing your therapist, he or she may not be doing the work needed to be done.

@dlydailyhope
Amen!

@relieffrompain I can really relate to what you shared. On the verge of loving yourself--wonderful! I'm trying to head in that direction as well.

@lagunagrl
I hated females. Not always, but in my mid to late teens I grew to despise them. I'd been hurt/rejected by many of them on many occasions and that's when my bitterness towards them increased greatly. Even against my will, my best intentions. I loved to hate them, too. I want to be open. I wanted to hate them on some level. Hating them was supposed to protect me from further hurt and to pay them back plus some to hurt them back. Like that would work!
i said these things to majke a point. Many who claim to have a dynamic spirituality, peddle snake oil. Send your money and god will bless your brains.
{I can't stand them, but I have to love them. They are sick, too, just like I am.} But when I was given some spirituality, the first thing I noticed was the tender love I experienced for all people and most strangely, for females. I viewed them as wonderful human beings who deserved love and kindness.

Passive aggressive behavior. Ditch her. I am sorry for your pain. I, too, am alone. To show you pictures of her family after you just shared something so deeply personal is just downright cruel.

My best to you darling.

I would run!