Quote:
Originally Posted by KazzaX
I believe that the word "manipulation" has negative connotations attached to it - but really its just a simple descriptive word. I believe that therapists manipulate, but that is the therepeutic value of it. Just like doctors manipulate our bodies into becoming well (with medication), so too do therapists manipulate our minds into becoming well. Every word that comes out of a T's mouth is said with an intended effect - they don't just say it because they feel like it. Every word they say has a purpose and in that way it is manipulation (in my opinion, that is). Whether it be to make you aware of something, or understand something, or whatever.
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I agree. My therapist was very straightforward about this issue when I asked him about it a few years ago after reading a couple of articles written by well known therapists (one was Yalom but I don't remember the other one) who referred to the process as being inherently manipulative. My therapist said people don't like to hear the word manipulation because of its negative connotations, but by definition therapy is a form of manipulation because it is a process that is designed to bring about change. Manipulation can be either helpful or harmful -- it all depends on how it's used.
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Conversation with my therapist:
Doc: "You know, for the past few weeks you've seemed very disconnected from your emotions when you're here."
Me: "I'm not disconnected from my emotions. I just don't feel anything when I'm here."
(Pause)
Me: "Doc, why are you banging your head against the arm of your chair?"
Doc: "Because I'm not close enough to a wall."
It's official. I can even make therapists crazy.
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