But, what is so wrong with saying therapy is like masquerade? I really think the analogy to theatre would be helpful -- one can forget at times that one is watching theater in the most brilliant performances (and the finest actors do tap into very real parts of themselves to make that happen) but at the end of the day it is theater (which of course like all art can and does inform and enrich life).

I wonder why T's (in general) go a little bit nuts when this is pointed out -- I think everyone all around would be better served if this was fully acknowledged and then everything was built on such acknowledgment.

I don't think it'll worsen the quality of the work -- in fact, I think that kind of honesty and authenticity is what will make it so very powerful.

And conversely, I think the refusal to acknowledge the massive amount of play-acting is what leads to so much anxiety and confusion.

P.S. Don't mind me if this seems off -- am a bit grumpy with my T now for harping on about the 'relationship' being real which is leading to further navel-gazing.