[BlueJeans00]

I was wondering is there a psychological method where
a therapist asks you "Do you want tea"? But in your response you say no.
The reason why Im asking this, is because I experienced his more than once with my therapist. Also to add I read a book where it was saying along the lines giving someone else tea is a form of trust?

Any ideas?

[InvisibleMoo]

I've never been offered tea by a therapist. But interesting all same if there is a hidden agenda in offering?

[Crazy Hitch]

My therapist used to drink herbal tea - she'd offer me some at the beginning. I guess it's because she can go back to back seeing clients for a few hours without a break so it's just politeness that she offers.

[Sunflower123]

I think it's just a polite thing to do. No hidden agendas.

[amandalouise]

Originally Posted by BlueJeans00

I was wondering is there a psychological method where
a therapist asks you "Do you want tea"? But in your response you say no.
The reason why Im asking this, is because I experienced his more than once with my therapist. Also to add I read a book where it was saying along the lines giving someone else tea is a form of trust?

Any ideas?

as far as I know offering someone tea is a common courtesy, not a psychological method...in other words using manners, you know like when you ask someone hi how are you today? nice weather we are having today. or saying please and thank you, sharing food or drink is just a normal thing people do sometimes.

suggestion go to a public place and watch people, you will see many people sharing conversation, food or snacks, beverages...

though in todays world having manners and sharing and actually spending time over a mug of coffee or a cup of tea is a rarity given how people spend most of their spare time head down texting and gaming rather than noticing each other and using manners, there still are people in this world that remember to offer a beverage / snacks/ to their visitors and use their please and thank you's.

there are many public places....(restaurants, stores, hospitals, health agencies and more....) that are now placing limits on texting/ gaming and getting people to re- engage with each other and get back into the common courtesies of using manners like offering visitors beverages / snacks/ please and thank you's and sharing/ getting along with each other.

my suggestion is if this bothers you to tell your treatment provider that you do not want them offering you tea/ coffee/ snacks and so on, that if you would like anything you will ask for it. this way the treatment provider will know what to do next time to welcome you.

[Mountaindewed]

My therapist offered me pretzels one time. It made me feel like we had a good relationship.

[Travelinglady]

Maybe she wants tea and is trying to be polite. Or, as was said, it is something a good hostess would do. I doubt that there's some sneaky psychological agenda behind it, but if so, then I don't think it's a bad thing to help a client relax.

I had 1 therapist who used to offer me mint tea at the end of her sessions.

sometimes i'd accept it, but sometimes not.

I don't know about making you feel any diffrent though.

i've heard about mint tea being good for tummy aches, but nothing about mental benifits, though I bet their are plenty of teas that can offer that kind of thing

[*Laurie*]

It's not at all unusual for a therapist to offer tea or a glass of water. Heck, my hair stylist does the same...when I get to the salon she asks if I'd like some water or tea. I think it's just a pleasant way for both of you to relax.

[hidihi]

Hi InvisibleMoo;

I've never been offered tea by a Therapist. any Therapist I've seen are generally very buttoned down to their rules. i wish they'd offer me Tea. it would make things much more relaxed. and maybe it IS a sign of trust, i don't know, but I don't think there's any hidden agenda considered.

[Unrigged64072835]

My therapist offers water if I don't bring a drink in. He knows that I have dry mouth and speaking for a long time can make it worse.

My therapist and i always have drinks or snacks together. many times one of us has brought drinks or snacks to share with the other while we talk. perhaps for us it is a form of bonding.

[Nammu]

I had a T who offered me tea sometimes, just depended on what time the appointment was. She'd have a cuppa didn't matter if I said yes or no, she was being polite.

[possum220]

Originally Posted by BlueJeans00

I was wondering is there a psychological method where
a therapist asks you "Do you want tea"? But in your response you say no.
The reason why Im asking this, is because I experienced his more than once with my therapist. Also to add I read a book where it was saying along the lines giving someone else tea is a form of trust?

Any ideas?

Maybe they are being kind and courteous? Maybe it's a way to help you relax. There is a Therapist where I am that has a coffee machine in his own waiting room. It makes all sorts of drinks. (If only I could work out how to use the gadget). He also has fruit and cookies.

You are allowed to say no. You are allowed to say yes if/when you want one. Don't sweat the small stuff.

[Luna.]

Here in the UK it's pretty common places like therapy you'd get a complimentary cup of tea. I think it's a good thing, it makes it so much less formal and stressful when it's more down to earth that you can just have tea and biscuits or whatever else with them, it's more comfortable when it's less formal.

[divine1966]

Mine offers tea or water, she also jokes that she'd offer coffee but their office makes really bad one. My hairstylist always offer coffee or water. I don't think they have tea.

It's normal. Just politeness

This is just plain a case of good manners. My T offered me a beverage at the start of every session. Personally I found it relaxing having a warm cup to occupy my otherwise fidgety hands with. This was likely even her intent. This in no way affected the professionalism of the visit.

[Altarian]

since day one with my therapist i've been offered tea because it's a cultural thing for him and a sign of respect between him and his clients. Doesn't matter if you drink it or not, he still offers. if you say no he will still pour you a cup, just in case you change your mind.

[dlantern]

What society has shown you therapy the world will go into what symbolism this may mean something it may not. If you arent the overthinker it could be a nice way like an ice breaker. If you had it rough there has been bridges burned this that and the other you might want to question the motive.

[pegasus]

Nothing sinister going on. Just a way to make you feel comfortable, like two friends chatting together rather than having it formal like an interview.

[Crispycroll]

Sounds nice. Tea is a comfort food for me. I'll take mine with creamer please.