Similar to you, I make eye contact here and there, but when things are slightly uncomfortable and begin to get deep, I avoid our eyes locking. Our eyes are the windows to our soul they say, so it appears I’m too afraid to let her see too much of me.
My therapist recently, with a gentle-like face, stared into my eyes, trying to hold eye contact. It felt intense, so I of course looked down. I believe her intent was to build a connection with me and to help me feel comfortable and safe being vulnerable with her, as this is something I have been avoiding at all cost. It’s perhaps to show and to teach clients the importance of connection and vulnerability in order to get what we need from people. It’s perhaps to show that they are here, a 100%, actively listening and willing to show compassion, so that we can be our authentic selves.
Having said that, my T and I now sit side by side lol, so that I feel more comfortable without the intensity of eye contact during vulnerable moments. Our goal is to eventually sit opposite each other and for me to be able to make eye contact when discussing the difficult stuff! 🤔