Quote:
Originally Posted by ElectricManatee
But if you look at what drugs do to the brain, they co-opt pleasure centers that exist for a reason, evolutionarily speaking. There isn't anything wrong with feeling deep, intense pleasure from a strong emotional connection. Primates are wired to do that. If that's "chasing a high," then sign me up.
Comparing this natural urge to connect to a crack addiction (which is a much maligned drug, I might add) seems more than a tad judgmental. It's not whether ex-MC was an appropriate target but what that whole episode means about what LT needs. I don't think people who have historically had their emotional needs met would end up in that situation, so exploring that dynamic seems more important than cutting off the source.
ETA: This isn't exactly the first time Dr. T has derailed a meaningful moment with a joke. I recognize myself in that, cutting the tension by cracking wise when the moments gets intense so I can bypass the unpleasant feelings. So maybe I'm reading too much into this, but that's therapy, baby.
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I honestly didn't feel judged by his comparison. He also knows I struggle with alcohol. And has said numerous times how difficult addiction can be. And today we talked some more about the emotional needs. He seems (both Thursday and today) to understand what an important role ex-MC played for me. And how it ties to unmet needs from childhood. I think the crack comparison was more how good those feelings can be if I'm not used to having them. Today he said how termination might have almost felt like if I had been blind or deaf and briefly been given the opportunity to see or hear, then had it taken away. He said it was probably a bad comparison, but I said I saw how it could fit.
He does tend to joke about things at times, but so do I. He's apologized for it before, said he was trying to lighten the moment. Often in there, I'm quite emotional, lots of crying, so I think at times he's trying to pull me out of that a bit, especially when it's near the end of session. I do see how it could bother someone. And there have been a couple times when it's bothered me, and I've said something.