- A core assumption is that "the therapist, by virtue of his knowledge, training, and special insight has access to truths above and beyond the capacity of his patients. The therapist interprets the patient's truths and tells him what they really mean."
I never let the therapist interpret my truth and I certainly would not let one tell me what it meant

- "The therapist can question the patient on any topic, but the patient cannot question the therapist."
The therapist can ask - but the client does not have to answer and can tell the therapist to stop questioning

- The therapist (or the profession) decides the duration of the session, the place of meeting, the cost, the basic rules and code of conduct.
The client accepts or refuses and in some situations - negotiates

- The therapist often sits in silence while the client speaks. Even when the client becomes emotional the therapist might remain in silent observance. Silence can make one feel "frightened and helpless, the very feelings that which undermine our self confidence".
Leave that one if it is not useful

- Sometimes the therapist will sit in a specially positioned chair, with the client on a couch which is at a lower height. There is a feeling of appearing before a judge in court.
I met with over 30 of them in the past few years - only one did this by having her chair positioned higher than the chair for the client- I never went back after the initial appointment - I am glad I went - it was a psychoanalytic person and it was fascinating to see how she tried to position herself.

- "In any area of disagreement, it is assumed the therapist is more likely to be right."