Yeah! I think I might be one of those that needs more response from my T.
He does have a poker face, most of the time -- but he can't help revealing certain things. When I call him on behavior I don't like (always tactfully, I believe), his eyes get really wide, like he's under attack. And some things I do or say bother him, but I don't know what the common thread there is. But he'll start squinting at me, like I'm waving a cigarette in front of his face. Something at those times he just doesn't like, but I have no idea what it is.
Once we were talking about sex change stuff (I have no idea why), and I said something about Chastity Bono becoming a man. A look crossed his face like he was going to lose his lunch. I thought it was interesting that he couldn't at all disguise his reaction of repugnance, fleeting though it was. I mean, what if he had a client who was considering that? Sheesh. Anyway, not my problem...
And there was one session recently that had gone really well. We were both feeling shiny and happy, and he said, "Wow, I let us go over time!" I blurted out, "That's because you love me," and ruined the whole thing. His face turned every shade of green, from Winsor to Thalo, and that was the end of that.
Thanks, Lynn, for your good insights!
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Originally Posted by lynn P.
I agree with Bohemian Princess. I think some therapists use this approach because they want to remain completely objective. If a therapist shows emotion while the patient is expressing themselves, this could affect a vulnerable patient who's impressionable. It's like when professional poker players are at a table - hence the term 'poker face'. I think it depends on the patient too - some patients don't mind just talking and not getting much feed back and others need that interactive response.
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