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Originally Posted by lostmyway21
What is counter-transference?
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It's when T subconsciously brings his own baggage into the relationship. Ts are trained not to do this, but of course it still happens.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lostmyway21
I think he told me he doesn't get mad at me because I ALWAYS assume he is mad at me. All day, everyday as a result of anything I say. I have never actually given him an actual reason to be mad at me.
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This is the danger. If T never admits his anger, the patient will try to
guess when T is angry. This only increases the patient's anxiety.
Much better to know T is angry, and to learn that anger needn't destroy the relationship. Patients will be exposed to anger in real life, and they need a way to explore that in a safe environment. So a measured, civilized, non-violent expression of T's anger is best for the patient in the long run. That's what I think.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lostmyway21
He has been frustrated, and told me he was frustrated. I don't think he means he is incapable of being mad because he is my therapist. But because he is my therapist he understands the things I say and does not get mad because my feelings do not accurately reflect the reality of the situation...and he understands that.
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T's frustration is a more delicate issue. T must be honest about her feelings, but patients can easily get discouraged. It does no good to tell a patient, "I am disappointed in your progress."
I don't know how a T should deal with disappointment.