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Aug 15, 2012, 01:54 PM
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Member Since: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,565
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LotusBloom
Maybe I'm just reading more into it than it really is, but I can't seem to let it go. I don't know how to interpret how my t responds non-verbally to what I say sometimes. I don't think he even knows he does it most times. Almost every session while I'm talking and he is taking notes or just listening there will be a brief half smile. Like he's trying to hold back the smile. Last session there was even a one sided smile. It bothers me, because my first instinct is to think he doesn't believe me or I'm saying something dumb. I never seem to be able to ask at the moment what that was...it is always upon reflection of the conversation that it really starts to bug me. Not just the smiling thing but other things like how he fondles his pen, etc. perhaps it's just me trying to create barriers. I dont know. Anyone else have issues with t's non-verbal body language?
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I think you might be experiencing transference. Your therapist isn't giving you much to go on, and you're interpreting him in light of how significant people early in your life (usually parents) responded (or didn't) to you. It's a natural thing to do.. but if those early relationships were dysfunctional, then you'll have learned a dysfunctional way of interpreting things - especially non-verbal things. If you grew up with parents who make you feel cherished, important, deeply loved and accepted, then you'd transfer that experience to your therapist, and you'd interpret his 'blank' stance as him being interested, contemplating everything you say, etc.
I think therapists often at least start therapy by creating opportunities for a client to transfer early relationship experiences onto them, because it helps the therapist figure out what's going on.
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