Sorry, I don't do Skype myself (don't have time for a lot of things I'd like to do since I am a caregiver). I'm glad you like your therapist--it's their calling to lead you from the dark places into the light and to help you identify the root of your fears as well as find out why you are so hard on yourself. Bill, none of us is perfect...well, except for those who are narcissists.
What you need to keep in mind is that Anice saw something (probably
many somethings) in you that you don't see in yourself. You have many great qualities...you are compassionate, supportive of others, humble, honest, and kind to name a few. When you live with fears and/or have a lack of self-worth, it is very hard to see beyond those limitations. They are
very real to you--please understand I'm not discounting them--because what we think of ourselves affects everything we do. I'll use Michael Jackson as an example. When he was a young child, some stranger made a cruel remark about him. It affected him deeply causing him to lighten his skin and have plastic surgery on his nose.
The difference between you and Michael Jackson is that you realize you have fears AND are willing to move in the right direction to get past them. And it is a brave move on your part to address your fears. :encouragement: Keep moving forward, Bill. Although you may not see you've been making progress, you have. You've moved into a new apartment, and you've spent time with some friends. Sure, it's been tough and you've shed many tears, but you are moving forward despite the pain. And that is a HUGE step even if you don't realize it right now.
