Some T's don't do diagnoses - either because they are not qualified to do so, or because their framework doesn't include it. For example, humanistic therapists veer away from diagnoses, pyschoanalytic might be more inclined, but a psychiatrist will go straight into that kind of stuff.

Maybe you could just focus on what you feel is difficult for you, how things are impacting your life? Or is it that you fear you have some kind of condition or other and want to get that sorted out in some way?

My exT annoyed me once. I'd been talking about difficulties with my mother for such a long long time, trying to figure out if her behaviour was my fault, when I accidently came across narcistic disorders - it was like a huge light came on. She behaves just like that!!! When I then mentioned it to the T, she said 'I know' and I was cross and said 'Why didn't you say anything then' and she said 'I don't do labels...' and I said, in that case why do you think I'm 'dissociative!!! from now on I'm NOT'!!!! grrrrrrrrrrrrr!

sb

Sometimes a diagnosis can be so helpful, and I know validating for some. I know my paperwork has one diagnosis listed but I have others, I tend not to say here because I don't want like... Anyone assuming stuff about me (I'm just weird and paranoid that way). Some diagnosis are a source of shame (people have problem with BPD sometimes, an example because of stigma) others are a badge of honor. Someone said a long time ago about "just" having PTSD. Like someone might "just" have depression or anxiety or adjustment disorder. Some Ts don't give them, I know for me if I read too much about stuff I'll start seeing myself on everything or having expectations. BUT!! But... Like you said too it can be such a huge relief to know and not feel alone and understand yourself.

Could you talk to T about why you want one or what it might be?

Ah... Sorry.

I am a control freak! How I have learned to (slowly, painfully) control things and want to know systems and processes, etc has been learning how to trust myself/others and... Being willing to be in pain. It's also as trauma is processed. I feel less fear in the world.

But I'd say im maybe only 10% along in getting this under control? t says it's gonna die hard!!!

Hopefully I understand more!