therapy that has been harmful

Most, if not all, psychotherapy methods were designed for neurotypical people. Unless administered by someone with an understanding of neurodivergent conditions, such as autism, they can be inappropriate and unhelpful. You are lucky that you have found a therapist who has an appreciation of neurodivergence. I would concentrate on this fortunate turn of events and try to let go of the negative feelings generated by your previous therapist. You are definitely lucky, the only mental/mood/behavioural therapy I have ever had was a prescription for Sertraline, which triggered horrendous migraines.

thank you. i'm so sorry that you are struggling. i've heard about sertraline- apparently it can help stuff like anxiety but yes other than that it doesn't seem to help people. i've personally never been on medication.

i waited on a 16 month waiting list for this therapist which is why i had another before. it's just hard because he did help me in some ways but there's just a lot so i don't know how to view him. like part of me is trying to classify him as "good" or "bad". because he probably didn't mean any harm in the first instance. it's just some of the ways were problematic.

and thanks- i'm hoping my current therapy continues positively but i have a good feeling about it. it's provided by CAMHs. 

how old are you? and where have you tried to seek support from atm?

I am 60 years of age. I was diagnosed as autistic in February this year. I have had a lifetime of inventing coping strategies to deal with my difficulties, because I thought I was just strange at a personal level and that other people had the same or similar problems, but were just much better at dealing with them. Until I realised that I was probably autistic, and sought an assessment, I had not sought medical treatment for anything other than for physical problems. To be honest, my reaction to Sertraline has rather put me off trying any other 'chemical fixes'. There doesn't seem much in the way of talking therapies available in my area for older adults. I could go private and pay, but I have other important things my money can be spent on. Since I took early retirement in July 2020, I am much less stressed than I was, so I have no acute problems at the moment, other than on-and-off mild depression, but I'm very used to that. Thanks for your kind interest, however.

I am 60 years of age. I was diagnosed as autistic in February this year. I have had a lifetime of inventing coping strategies to deal with my difficulties, because I thought I was just strange at a personal level and that other people had the same or similar problems, but were just much better at dealing with them. Until I realised that I was probably autistic, and sought an assessment, I had not sought medical treatment for anything other than for physical problems. To be honest, my reaction to Sertraline has rather put me off trying any other 'chemical fixes'. There doesn't seem much in the way of talking therapies available in my area for older adults. I could go private and pay, but I have other important things my money can be spent on. Since I took early retirement in July 2020, I am much less stressed than I was, so I have no acute problems at the moment, other than on-and-off mild depression, but I'm very used to that. Thanks for your kind interest, however.

i'm sorry that you struggled for so long but i'm glad that you now have clarity and you're improving. i've never took medication but i'm not very keen on it either to be honest.