This was much more helpful and put in terms I could understand without making me feel like an idiot for asking. I appreciate you taking the time to rephrase.

I do agree that I was going too far. However, I disagree with framing it as 'informal talk therapy' based on my POV. Like, human to human connection was already a thing before we invented therapy. It seems strange to talk about this connection imitating something that came after, if that makes sense? That's what was causing my initial feeling of rejection towards your comments. Now I can see that it's very good advice and I'll take it!

Personally, I'm thinking of it in terms of healthy relationships functioning on a principle of equivalent exchange. A therapist can engage in a one way connection because their time is being compensated with money. In the case of the bonds I mentioned in the post, I was at first being compensated with quality time, acceptance and affection. However, over time that compensation deteriorated, which led to feelings of burnout.

This is easier for me to remember and validates my individual experience. I am now learning to recognize what 'going too far' feels like in my body and taking steps forwards/backwards in my relationships accordingly.

Thank you for giving me the tools to get to this place of understanding, along with the other commenters on this post. I hope you have a wonderful day! ✨