#sheea

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Dear  *SHEEA*,

Welcome to Mental health advice!

I have had therapists do that to me in the past, and I believe there is several reasons why they might. One reason they may commonly say something is normal is that they are trying to let you know that you are not the only person who has ever felt that way. In a way they are trying to get you to remember that you are not alone in this. Perhaps they don't always voice this in the right way. I have an Anxiety disorder and had just finished telling my Psychiatrist about how I literally experienced Anxiety continuosly, and how difficult it was, and he said "Well everyone experiences anxiety sometimes." I disliked what he said, as I felt it was simplifying my emotions and making it seem as if I had no reason to be there, but I can understand that he was simply trying to make me realize that I wasn't alone in my feelings.

Another option is that they in there personal views, viewed what you were going through as normal. However its important to remember that what normal is is relative and is going to be different when a different person is thinking about it. As they see individuals with  mental health problems day after day, to them that may be their concept of normal.

I think you should possibly consider trying to express this feeling with them and remember that counseling is for you. Its not for them. So you should be getting what you need out of counseling.

You are the greatest judge of you. If things aren't okay then you know that. You are the best judge of that.

Other than talking to your counselor, you could also consider the possibility of looking for a new one if you do not believe your personality clicks with this counselor.

Remember, you matter, and what you are going through matters.