[40F] just finished an initial session where I reviewed my history for autism coaching sessions with an LCSW. I have two other therapists, so this is to supplement, and the intake felt like an initial therapy session. Reviewing my history has been emotionally challenging for every mental health professional I’ve met, so I don’t much look forward to intakes in general.

I suppose my affect is detached from the experiences I am describing because I know it takes the whole session to simply review the years for the facts.

Anyway, she paused and purposefully commented “I’ll just say it, you have had a hard life.” deep breath, head back, eyes closed and forehead tense “It shouldn’t have been like that.” And I said - but it was. And we moved on, after she said a few more validations for me, like that I’m enough as I am despite messaging I received in early years.

It’s the “It shouldn’t have been like that.” that’s sticking with me. It feels counter to acceptance, not feeling sorry for myself, accepting “what is”

What was the purpose? I feel sad.