This is why, when you talk to your therapist about your mom, they say “hmm . . .” while tilting their head and looking at you with sympathy. Then they add, “Tell me more about your mother,” or “Unpack that some more,” or simply “Your mother . . .” There are six words, four words, and two words in those responses. The last one is the most powerful because it just hangs there, inviting you to build on the topic.
