I went to a class in my community that my T also attended...we both knew ahead of time that we would both be there. It was a therapy-related class (taught by a different T) and it deals directly with issues I'm working on in session with my T.

We talked ahead of time and agreed it would likely be intense but also very useful...and we agreed to check in afterward. I've seen T in my community in a professional setting before, so I wasn't at all worried about it actually...seeing her out of session, I mean. She has great boundaries that way.

Yet, something unexpected happened and during the class. The teacher asked my T a very direct, very personal question related to the topic. She put my T on the spot and pressed her and pressed her repeatedly in order to prove a point to the class as a whole.

My T, quite understandably, was really flustered and stammered for several minutes while the teacher drilled her. It was so painful to watch. My T handled it well, I think, but it was clear to me (and to everyone) she was extremely, extremely uncomfortable.

After the class, my T asked me how I was (I was a bit shaken) and we agreed on a time to talk more about it. I said something briefly about the teacher's style being harsh and T just nodded and held her hand up and said "say no more...." like she agreed with me, but knew it wasn't the appropriate time or place to vent about it with me.

It was just a really weird, really interesting experience. In a way, I felt really connected to my T in all her humanness. I felt the strong urge to take care of her, but I also knew that she would never let me or expect me to take care of her. She maintained her boundaries well, while still connecting with me on a very personal level. There was a lot of unspoken understanding there. If that makes sense...

But a part of me is sad too because I hate to see T hurting. I know she'll be fine...and it's not my job to take care of her. But it was jarring.

Has anyone else ever seen their T like this?