"I've been paying for a decent, gentle, validating listener who has offered me no advice, no challenges, no tools/skills, no new approaches."
Sounds that a great person to help you get things off your chest but little else. Had the same thing - sat there, did loads of talking (after being prodded - nothing to do with cattle mind you), and made the next appointment.
The only thing it did for me was to clear out the poop associated with my attitudes. Bit like a mirror thrown/forced my way. VERY hard at the time and useful but eventually the big question - what to do next?
I was lucky (as you are) to have this wealth of knowledge and experience here on the board but it's hard finding the germs of truth amongst this trove.
I was lucky - or my sitch just worked its way towards the desired goal (only 6 bloody months of it!)
You have my admiration in buckets for the effort you're putting into this.
I wish you well with the change of guide - you deserve better.
