The dependency article that Alexandra_K shared in the Relying on Therapist thread a while back has been kicking round in my head. BTW, Alex, I’ve noticed that you’ve dropped into anonymity; I hope you are OK and still willing to share your insights.

Dependency Article

I’m having trouble really comprehending this article. I think mainly because it is intended for therapist not patients to understand. I don’t believe I have PTSD or a dissociative disorder. However I think I share some tendencies common in people who suffer these conditions.

Both in therapy and in my personal life I continually struggle with the idea of dependency. When reading this article, I couldn’t help trying to place myself in on of the categories listed. I know that this is not the intent of the article and therefore using this way is not appropriate. I'm doing it anyway

I perceive myself (whether correctly or incorrectly) as having a dependency phobia. I have most of the counter-dependency characteristics described in Table 1. I think my disgust for dependency not only inhibits my therapy but also prevents the type of intimacy my inner ego state seems to crave. I think it is definitely creating a lot of conflict in my marriage. My husband at this moment in time is showing a little bit too much dependency and coupled with my excessive independency, I am really struggling to cope.

I know others have mentioned that they also struggle with the fear of being dependent their therapist. For me, my therapist is not my biggest concern. It is what this dependency phobia is doing to me and my real relationships that bothers…Today that is!

Has anyone else been thinking about this article that alex_K shared?