How do I efficiently describe to a prospective therapist how I would like to be spoken to?
Hi, I hope this is an appropriate question for this sub!
For the first time in my life, I am looking for a new therapist on my own. I've had nearly a dozen therapists in the past, and the longest I've ever stayed with one professional has probably been about 6 months. This is because I didn't feel like I could speak from my heart with any of them, since they all spoke with a soothing voice and used affirming language to the point of sounding buzzwordy.
I am looking for therapy largely to address anger issues and attachment/dependency/trust issues, and as soon as a therapist tells me to "sit with my feelings" or "be gentle with [myself]" it makes me ridiculously furious and I won't allow myself to actually open up with someone who speaks to me like that, since I find it really patronising and abstract (which I guess I read as them saying my problems aren't real).
I just want to be spoken to like an adult, and would like to feel like my therapist is collaborating with me, not tolerating me or babysitting me. How can I communicate this preference in a way that makes sense while I wallow through a series of 15 minute consultations over the next few weeks?
Thanks in advance for any insight you can provide!