Quote:
Originally Posted by thesnowqueen
This is a lot like the difference between the first T I had, and the second. The pathologising really didn't help me.
Perhaps it's just a different approach but I sometimes feel that some people like to tell others there is something seriously wrong with them. It just makes some people feel better about themselves, more knowledgable, more intact, perceptive and healthier themselves. I get the feeling if they are not talking directly to patients they are probably psychopathologizing anyone and everyone behind their backs.
So basically, I think that secure people, and secure professionals, are less likely to do this.
Interestingly my first T also liked to personalise everything. I was always meant to say 'I' and 'people in general' or 'others' were not allowed to be part of the discussion. I think this CAN be helpful IF a person is trying to avoid their own stuff, but I don't think its always helpful. Second T would OFTEN respond to me with a generalisation. For instance, I went to a social event that I found difficult:
Me: so I sat there trying to get into a different mental state so that I didn't feel upset. And it was just like I was 12 years old again, trying the same things -
T2: When people are stressed they do return to earlier coping methods.
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Thanks, SnowQueen! Interesting to see the differences between your two T's--glad you have the second one now.
For me, I wonder if it's partly that MC has experienced some mental illness (he's mentioned an anxiety disorder at least--not sure about other stuff) of his own and has also gone through a fair amount of therapy, so he has more of a sense what it feels like to be on the client/patient side. While I don't get the sense (she's much less open about herself) that T has dealt with much personally. I mean, not that her life has always been perfect, but no glaring mental illnesses. Plus she's just different personality-wise (MC is more similar to me). So she may have learned that continuing to reassure a client isn't good, but she hasn't felt that same need for reassurance that I have. So she doesn't understand as well why I can't just be like, "OK, I'm all good now!"
Yes, I'm overgeneralizing--I'm sure there are plenty of T's who haven't had MI themselves but are extremely caring, understanding, and sensitive to their clients. And plenty of T's who have had mental illness who are...not so sensitive (at least based on what I've read on here!) I'm just going by my experience.