An hour drive could be nice time alone to organize your thoughts for the visit, and again to prepare to return home.
I really cherish my therapy visits, but it's alone time that I am still lacking.
In any case, talking to someone is always better than not talking.
Deflecting negatives is exhausting work. Does Emmett have anyone to talk to? Would be great if he could work out some of that and spare you from it.

Christine