Quote:
Originally Posted by ripley
I think it is important to keep in mind that not all therapists work in the same way. A therapist who is working from a 'supportive therapy' perspective may be much more forthcoming and interactive than one coming from a psychodynamic place.
My therapist (and it sounds like maybe yours too) is definitely using a psychodynamic approach. (I know this for sure, because in one of my first sessions I asked her, since I know some things do not work for me.)
In sessions this approach can be challenging, especially if one is not used to it. I find it terrifying sometimes to be faced with a very neutral, yet receptive person, who is hoping I will show up (emotionally) and be genuine with her.
But this works wonders for me, since it makes it painfully obvious just how hard it is for me to do just that, in any relationship.
She does not offer a lot of emotional content of her own, and I know virtually nothing about her, but she does offer me interpreations of what I have said, which we then can explore together. And once in a while she will say something very challenging. Early on she told me I would make a good sniper, because of my wariness and vigilance. I had a hard time hearing that, but it was actually very good information, a reflection of what she was seeing and feeling, not a judgement.
It took me a long time to be able to feel how much she actually cares about me, but it became obvious partly through her enormous patience with me.
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I pretty much agree with all of this post.

She knows and appreciates just how hard this entire process has been for me, and I think she sees it as an indicator how hard it is for me to open up in general; more specifically, with romantic relationships (that don't exist, and haven't for some time). Over the past few days, just THINKING about talking about some of this with her has made me VERY anxious, and I don't see her until a week and a half.