Quote:
Originally Posted by Ididitmyway
If you feel you had been deceived by the concept of the "therapeutic relationship" and if that deception felt like seduction and subsequent betrayal, I'd like to know what you think about the idea that a therapist's role fits that of a "psychological prostitute", the one who sells a time measured dosages of emotional intimacy for $$. Does this characterization make sense? Or does it sound too strong and somewhat unfair or totally unfair? I am not seeking to make or prove any point here. I am genuinely curious about different perspectives on this because this is a question I haven't completely answered for myself. On some level I feel it reflects some reality of therapy, but I still don't know if this depiction goes too far.
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Wow.
I totally hear what you are saying and I want to say that my mind has played with that idea also.
For someone who has not felt the safety to voice feelings, and really feel them with someone that they feel safe with, has bordered on the paid intimacy part with me. It has been in the back of my mind and I’ve pushed it back.
When I read your post I really felt what you were saying. I think.
Also, as I read it, I had the image in my mind of a physical therapist. A person working with someone who has suffered great physical damage/injury/abuse. To me a physical therapist would be for the patient/client and their heart would want to help them recover and overcome the obstacle that they are facing.
To me, a physical therapist would be invested in the physical healing of their patient/client much like a therapist/counselor would be also.
I’m also thinking that there must be a type of bond between those two, depending on the work that is needed, much like a mental therapist.
That put it in a different perspective for me as I saw that.
Damage is damage, whether it’s physical or emotional; and as I see it, it’s a heart connection either way if the therapist you are working with really cares.
At some point the physical therapist helps the patient/client get to the point that they can be mobile and confident on their own. I see that as a goal for the relationship between a patient/client in the mental therapist relationship also.
It’s a paid/co-pay service, but it’s one with a connection of encouraging growth and confidence.
That’s what I got from your post.
Thank you for putting it here!!