Quote:
Originally Posted by lolagrace
But one can be emotionally invested without being dependent and without it being about power. That's one of the great lessons and experiences in life -- to have relationships that are invested in healthy ways, realistic in expectations, not full of power plays, and understand that ups and downs and beginnings and endings do happen as the usual course of things. I've been fortunate enough to experience that both within and outside of therapy.
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I agree. But you probably had ethical therapists. This isn't a blanket situation, but it is one way there can be a power difference. And you don't sound as emotionally dependent as I was in the first place. Or struggling as much.
Some therapists foster dependence. Mine did. She kept telling me total trust was healthy and dependency was okay because I couldn't look after myself. When
i said I was worried I wouldn't survive when she retired, she said to come with her and to start learning Spanish. No healthy person would think this dynamic was okay, but I was not a healthy person. Promises not to abandon you can be very very powerful when you grew up in neglect or abuse, and the fear of losing that safety can be a very, very strong and powerful force.