What lines?

When I work with someone in a profession other than my own I research their field to try to understand it at a conceptual level. As a consultant and analyst this is very natural for me. This helps me when I work with them as I am able to ask questions about strategy and approach while we work together. I think it helps when they realize I am invested and want to understand what they are asking of me and why at as deep a level as I can. I do this while maintaining respect for their expertise. There's a fine line between knowing a bit about a subject and asking questions and questioning someone's skills because you read a few books.

I typically try my best to follow their advice. I offer them my trust while trusting in my own ability to create change if needed. If anything does not resonate, I let them know ahead of time I'm uncomfortable with it and ask for an alternative. Otherwise, I do my best to work with the plan. When I return, I provide an overview of what worked, what didn't and what I would like to change. And then we collaborate. That's a great word for it. I also like cocreate.

So in regards to my therapist, I don't know what her boundaries actually are. I've never found the sides of her box. We created our own geometry together. There are so many cooler shapes than boxes.

I am doing my part and she's doing hers. If that changes, I'll advocate for something that works better. The same is true for my pdoc experience. They both have shared that I am atypical and that working with me is different than working with a lot of their clients. I think that's great. I don't want my plan to look like anyone else's. I'm unique and I deserve a unique experience, right?