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Originally Posted by purplemystery
I don't understand what the article meant by clients seeking gratification, and it doesn't further discuss this. In this context, what do you think that means? Where is the line between talking about transference and seeking gratification? I want to make sure this isn't what I'm doing...
Also, is simply wanting to talk about transference enough of a reason to do so? What if you already know why you have these feelings?
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I often get worried about bumping up against boundaries in T, at the same time that I'd do anything to get my T to take care of me. When I get especially anxious about it all she often says something that you might find helpful. At those times she says something along the lines of "We can talk about (through) anything. What we
won't do is act it out."
I think that gratification, in a therapy context, might be about trying to have T fulfill our wishes/wants without taking a critical look at them to figure out what's going on. The problem with gratification (without the necessary working through, at least) is that it never fixes the problem. It temporarily feels great sometimes, but it's like a fix we need to keep going back for because we don't deal with the underlying issue.
I personally hate that (because who doesn't want their wishes fulfilled!), but I also think it makes sense.
The good news for you, Purple, is that it means that not only is it OK to talk about your transference issues...it's absolutely crucial!
Hope this helps!