This is the reply I received:
I felt sad that you were feeling upset about something that came from our session - not hurt by your email. I understand that uncovering things in therapy can in turn make people feel bad, but I definitely don't want to contribute to that based on something I said. I want to do my best to convey that I understood your position and will respect it.
I see him Friday. He is going to ask me what I want to work on then if I am not going to discuss my disgusting coping habit.
Therapy relationships are vicarious. I mean one session everything is smooth and flowing fine and bam everything can be turned upside down in an instant. I think because these relationships are actually with a stranger, one sided, even though you might be seeing them weekly for years. Still a stranger. The connection is paper thin that can crumble really fast. No skin off the therapist back. They can get a new client easily to replace you. I do not even know his wife's name. I know he has kids but damn if I even know how many or their names. I get thrown a bone every now and again when he has a normal conversation with me as a grounding technique.
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When a child’s emotional needs are not met and a child is repeatedly hurt and abused, this deeply and profoundly affects the child’s development. Wanting those unmet childhood needs in adulthood. Looking for safety, protection, being cherished and loved can often be normal unmet needs in childhood, and the survivor searches for these in other adults. This can be where survivors search for mother and father figures. Transference issues in counseling can occur and this is normal for childhood abuse survivors.
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