i was fortunate enough to stumble across a truly fantastic therapist back in 1989 who changed my life forever, and what you post here about 'provide hope and provide structure' -- that's what she did in spades for me. i am forever grateful. i was really caught in the "am i crazy?" hall of mirrors because of bad relationships, and she helped me find the path out of there.

the other thing she helped me do was not escalate the drama. she got my number and sometimes i think she deliberately underplayed things in order to help me learn to have a bit of detachment too.

really enjoying these posts; thank you.