When I started grad school to be a clinical psychologist, this was my biggest fear...that I would push a person too far and end up pushing them away. I had to learn that the best therapy doesn't make you feel very good at first, but it should NEVER leave you wanting to give up. She probably did make the mistake of pushing too hard. I am so sorry that happened to you. I pray I never do that to a client but will probably make the same error. We all do. One of my professors began his first lecture to us with an apology. He said he was sorry whatever he taught us would not be enough. He always began a therapy session with an apology because he knew he would likely make some kind of mistake along the way. His name was Art Bohart.
I would encourage you to find Art Bohart's book, How Clients Make Therapy Work: The Process of Active Self-Healing. Art is one of the best therapists in Southern California. He was also one of my professors. His student became my dissertation chair, and she does amazing work. The one thing they taught me was that a client knows what they need, and what they can handle. If you just want to pull back a while, pull back. You are obviously a survivor and you will get back on the horse, but you also seem to know when you have been pushed too far. Take care of you. This isn't about the therapist (and if it EVER is, that therapist is in need of a therapist!) Take a little time and contemplate (which is what depression is...deep contemplation.)
We live in a world where we are constantly moving to the next thing and the next goal, which often leaves us feeling rushed. Healing comes in its own time. It cannot be rushed. You already know this. Listen to yourself.
God bless your healing.
