Today, and when I asked him if he had tears in his eyes he said yes, it's ok Jane, they are happy tears!

Last session he told me that he "worried how I would respond" if he had had to say no to giving me the additional appointment I had asked for earlier this week. So I asked him today what exactly he meant by that. He clarified. He also said that he meant to say he had concerns, not 'worried' because usually he is very careful about the distinction, because concern is am emotion and worrying is a thought pattern.(I didn't know this actually!) Anyway......

I told him that he needn't worry as I had realised in the last couple of weeks that if he couldn't give me an extra appointment, I knew that he would want to if he could, and that him saying no was not a reflection on me.

This was when he teared up, and he had a red face with it. He thanked me, and also said that it was "wonderful" to hear. I told him it was good for me to realise it, and scary at the same time. He said that it was very good for him also.

I kind of got uncomfortable so changed the subject, but I really wanted to know why it was good for him. And I know he said they were happy tears.....but why would he feel such clearly strong emotion because of me? I'm confused.

I know it is a good thing for me, as it takes one level of stress away from the therapy relationship, but I don't know or quite understand why it caused tears and happiness for my therapist.

Ideas please?