After being in therapy for 6 months or so, I asked my therapist if she would play a game with me. I made some cards with questions on them. Things I wanted to know about her. They ranged from the names of her children, to her favorite foods, her pet peeves, and her life goals. She didn't have a problem answering them, but she did ask me how this was going to help me.

I didn't say anything. She spoke up and said something like, "Is this about trust? You need to be sure who you are sharing things with? Does this make it easier for you to open up in therapy?"

That was part of it. But the other part of it (for me) was that if I was going to share all my personal stuff, I wanted her to be open and honest a little, too. I know that therapy is about me, but I had to build that relationship with her so that I could relax enough to get any work done.

It worked for me. I know quite a bit about her. She answers most of the questions I ask her. The only one I don't know is exactly where she lives. I know the area, but not the neighborhood. I could find that out if I wanted to. We have a mutal friend that I am sure I could get that info from. It wouldn't be that hard for me to find out. It's not that I want to drive by her house, I would just like to know her 'lifestyle'. Does she live in a big beautiful home? Or is it modest?

Not sure why that matters. I am just curious. Blank slate would definitely not work for me at all!