Hmmm...
Do some not understand that a deep emotional connection can exist between patient and therapist? That it is a significant part in the process for a therapist to feel connected to the patient? A deep emotional connection in which that is
all that exists...
I guess it also has to do with typing this stuff on the computer. Some may fail to realize that they weren't actually in the session with me... For example, the word "special." Since when did the word "special" become a red flag for a sexual relationship? Regardless, perhaps things on the computer get misconstrued because the readers obviously didn't directly hear, feel, or understand the way the word was used.
As far as the poems, I highly doubt he sat at home with flashcards memorizing them line by line. A good therapist stores tons of significant information in his/her memory. To do something like that in therapy as he did is a way to connect is a way that is
not generic. And that's what touched me the most about him doing such a thing.
Yes, he said this may be the beginning... Again, others are unaware of our working relationship, but why would that signify something inappropriate? The therapeutic relationship is a process that goes through many, many levels. Many beginnings. That session marked another level. No, it doesn't mean we are going to lay down on the old Freudian couch and %#@&#!. Like I said, it's a level in the working relationship.
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With him disclosing his feelings, at this point, worries me.
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At this point? We've worked together for two years and this was the 1st time.
Self-disclosure of feelings in the here-and-now is an important part of psychoanalytic psychotherapy. When the therapists reaches the point in which he/she feels comfortable to do so, therapy has, in fact, reached a "beginning."
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You would think it would scare them more because you know the rules and can turn them in , but sometimes it has the opposite effect.
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No one should be scared. He should adhere to the legal and ethical guidelines of boundaries. He should respect me for my well-being. I should do the same towards him. But he shouldn't have to be scared into putting up thicker walls just because I'm a student.
I apologize if this post appears rude. I'm not trying to be. It's just that I post on PC to share and enrich my experience in therapy. I am very open and honest in my post, and I can be quite candid. I am the same way in thearpy. Luckily I have a therapist who can match that, has good judgment, and is not opposed to taking a chance or two. It is very similar to when I'm doing group therapy in the inpatient hospital. There are times in which a patient reaches a significant point where there is just so much pain emitting, that it makes me hurt so very much right along with them. I often get the urge to put a hand on that patient's arm or shoulder. I will ask the patient if this is okay. If so, I will do it. This is a risk. A chance. But with good judgment and little risk taking, I am giving the patient something that might be so needed at that time. Before I started giving therapy, I never thought I would be the type of therapist who would endorse even the smallest amount of physical contact. However, in the moment, I realized that it just felt like the right thing to do. I doubt I would ever do such a thing in individual, but in group the dynamics are very different. Especially in a hospital. But anyway, hopefully you can see my point. So I just felt the need to speak up for myself. I realize that people may continue to pick up things in my posts. In fact, I have a new post (my session and why do I need him so much?), which I posted last night. Whatever people want to take out of that is fine, but please trust my judgment and my relationship with my T.