In my office, I have a desk. When my clients come in, I set up the chairs so that I am sitting across from them. I noticed that I sit a lot closer to my clients than any T has sat to me. My T has sat very close in situations where he is holding my hand, but generally does not sit as close to me as I do with my clients. I feel comfortable with sitting close to them. I also know that most of the population I work with views physical closeness more as sign of emotional connection, rather than an invasion of space.

Over the last couple of days, a bunch of my clients have expressed their appreciation of my seating choice. They said, "My previous therapists would sit behind the desk. You make me feel comfortable." I was appaled. Therapy behind a desk? Umm, we are not doing taxes, here! I explained to my clients that I felt like a desk would create a barrier in our relationship.

Has anyone ever had a therapist who sits behind a desk??