Maggie, I don't think your post could be more spot on. I'm more than tempted to read season 8 like some sort of psychoanalysis of Buffy. From almost the beginning hadn't she been given a sort of challenge with the "You can't fight what's inside of you"? Regression, return to the past also phases and parts of the process of mental healing. And is it really by luck that Angel speaks of a shrink in this comic? My guess is not.

Rubs her own hands with glee. Seems like Whedon is in great shape after all!Yay!