Quote:
Originally Posted by BethRags
Teletherapy is challenging enough without more layers of uncertainty and change. Like you, I would feel shaken up if my therapist kept changing backgrounds.
I'm not saying it would be a deal-breaker (not by a long shot). I'm just saying that I do understand how you feel.
Here's a thought, though. I have 2 backgrounds that I use when I do teletherapy. One has a picture my T likes behind me, and a book shelf. The other background is plainer, just a grey curtain and a painting on my wall.
The reason I switch up is because I feel bad for my T to see the same background during every session we have. Now I feel weird...maybe my switching scenes disturbs her! It's possible that your therapist is trying to vary the background so you don't have to look at the same image every single time.
That said, his environment invites you into a realm that might feel like boundaries are being tested, or even crossed. I mean, if you see part of a bed...that's really bringing some heavy unconscious (and conscious) material into the session.
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Interesting points--and I doubt it bothers her. She probably finds it interesting to see other parts of your home.
I've done therapy in numerous locations in my house, too. The very first time, I tried sitting in my bed and felt...really weird about that, so didn't do that again. I am usually in my bedroom when I meet with him, but I have a little desk in there that I use (up there because I can shut the door). I had to be on a different side of the bed than usual for a bit (long story), and he commented on that. He's also asked me what things in the background are (one being an exercise bike). Hm...this suggests it would be OK to ask him as well, doesn't it?
I've also met with him from my living room (times when H and D were going to be out the whole time), then one time sitting on the floor of my basement (another long story). And I was holding one of my guinea pigs for part of a session one time (I think after I saw his dog maybe). And he's seemed to be interested in seeing all of it and curious.
Of course, I was prepared to ask him about some of the stuff, but then he was in his regular out-of-home office today (we had plenty to talk about anyway).