Dots,
Actually knowing there was an end coming pretty much did the trick.

On a practical note to anyone considering psychotherapy:
I would highly recommend taking a brief written outline of your life and a list of how you see your problems to the shrink. Some might think you're nuts, but hey, that's their business. And after all, you are paying them, they're not paying you.
Since my psyche experience, I have told that story to a few psychiatrist friends and all agreed it would save time and money.
Also, it might be quite revealing to you as well.
smile