text: why can't i just be me? why is it that ever time i go to my therapist. i have to act like someone that i aint. why cant i just be me!!!! my question to you is why do you feel you have to act like that to your counselor?  don't you think he/she ever heard this before? if you are uncomfortable with your counselor - i would suggest you change him/her.  i have had multiple counselors - i had one guy tell me i was causing my problems!  i walked out of there, went to his supervisor & i changed immediately! he was very errogant & i didn't need his crap.  you need to find someone you can be 100% with - or it won't help you. i have a female counselor now - i am amazed at how much she listens and how much she cares!  last yr. when i turned 50 - she actuallly "sang" happy birthday to me on my answering machine, because she didn't see me that day!  my god!  what a difference! i am still seeing her, i often feel that even if no one else gave a crap - at least "she" did.  and believe me, you can't tell them anything they haven't heard before!  why do you think they are in that profession?  obviously nothing is new??  i am not sure of how you feel, but believe me - if you can't take it and you are putting on a mask - how are you helping yourself?  you need to be 100% honest or you will never get better!  take it from me - i've been in counseling for my depression since 1986 and i go once a week.  it sure helps me!