Quote:
Originally Posted by deliquesce
as an aspiring professional, you could take this as an opportunity to learn about "the other side" so that in the future, when a client is attracted to you, you can have more empathy towards them.
|
I have actually been thinking a lot about that and how I might do things differently than my therapist has done since the onset of our therapy to avoid leading the client on (ie: I believe she is attracted to me), and also if transference and/or countertransference occurs, how to be prepared so I can respond to it. I still have a lot to learn about this, but I see your point and how I could benefit from this experience.
Quote:
Originally Posted by deliquesce
i'm concerned that you would think it's ok for this intern to have a relationship with you (even just as friends) -- does that mean as an intern in the future you would also be ok with being friends with a client? with "exploring" a romantic relationship with a client? if you would be prepared to stand by the code of ethics (as you would have to, should you enter the profession) then i'm confused about why it would be ok for you to want this intern to bend the rules also. there isn't any real "responsible" that comes into breaking ethical codes
|
Definitely not (if the roles were reversed)!
Unfortunately, in this case I view myself as a 'special client' who is an exception to the rule, because I'm so similar to the therapist in age, interests, and especially career aspirations. Because I am the one in the client position, I know that on an emotional level I could handle seeing the therapist outside the office. If I were the therapist though, I don't think I could feel okay with the situation given the potential harmful effects it could incur on a client.
Perhaps I'm just being self-absorbed here and need to work on this, but I do feel a connection to the therapist as a person...and enough to the point where I think it's worth exploring. Of course, I would like for some time to pass between now and any potential formation of a friendship.
I highly doubt we will ever see each other in another context though. The therapist is very professional and committed to their career field, and if they were to break ethics and see me, I think on some level, I would lose a little respect for them for not respecting the field we are both committed to. Even if we did obey the two year rule, so much can happen between now and then.
The way I see it, if it's meant to be, somehow it will happen on its own and in the distant future. I'm simply going to give this whole issue up now and seek a new therapist, so at the very least I can finish off the goals I set out without any interference or distractions due to the transference.
Thank you everyone for your input.