[LonesomeTonight]

So, T recently had me do part of an Imago exercise for homework--it's technically a thing for couples, but this particular exercise looks at stuff from childhood, like memories, feelings, frustrations, etc., and he said it can benefit most anyone in understanding more about their adult relationships. I had to respond to some prompts on a couple sheets. Today, in session, he had me read my answers to those, in some cases prioritizing them. And then he interpreted and filled out answers, as he put it "Mad Libs" style (for those who are familiar with that) on another sheet. Then read it back to me. It's supposed to reflect on how my childhood needs/emotions/frustrations affect my current relationships, particularly my marriage. And I could edit as needed (crossing out, adding stuff, etc.).

Before we left, he photocopied it and gave me the original to take home. I keep looking at what he wrote. There's something about my feelings/needs being written in someone else's handwriting that's particularly affecting to me. Like it's making it more real, more legitimate, giving those feelings greater meaning. I also keep finding my eyes gravitating toward certain words that are part of the "what I want now" and in many cases "what I didn't get in childhood" categories: "connected, loved, accepted" and "accepted and understood for who I am, 'warts and all.'" (There are also critical, negative words on there, but my eyes don't go to them.)

It all seems rather profound to me, like there's something about this that's different from a T just saying (speaking) "I hear you and understand you." And I don't feel like it would be the same if it were typed either--it's something about the handwritten nature.

Has anyone else experienced this? I don't mean this particular exercise, just their T writing something about what they're feeling (or maybe a particular message to them) that has had a profound impact? Do you know what it's about, why it's particularly affecting you to see something written? Just trying to figure this out (and also wondering if it's a technique that could help me more in the future).

[ElectricManatee]

My T has written me notes (and emails) about her feelings toward me and the work that I'm doing, and I have found them profoundly transformative. I have a hard time holding onto her words when they are spoken aloud, so having something I can hold onto and think about and return to makes it easier to absorb them. Plus sometimes in session my brain sort of shuts down in order to filter out the positive things, which is terribly frustrating. Whereas I can look at the notes any time I want to in a variety of mental/emotional states.

I think there is something more personal and intimate about handwriting as opposed to typed text. It's the reason why I send hand-written thank you notes to people when I could more easily have sent an email. Hand-written means more. I feel the same way about seeing my T's handwriting on the notes. It underscores the you-to-me aspect of the communication.

[ruh roh]

There is something powerful or moving about it, but I'm not sure what it is. Being seen? Known? I'm not sure. The only time I can think of this happening was when I was going to start seeing a new prescriber to replace the pdoc I'd been seeing. I couldn't fill out the intake form and it was distressing, so my therapist went over it with me and wrote the answers, adding her own wording where I didn't know what to say. I remember at the time asking her to hurry up because she is a slow writer, but she didn't budge, just took her time. Her handwriting is beautiful and her added words felt meaningful to me. So while I get what you're saying, I can't quite name it.

[DP_2017]

my T has written little post its, I've saved every single one, he wrote down some scribble stuff on our initial paperwork, i saved that.

i wonder if i could get him to write me something for when he leaves, i should ask. that would be nice to read over and over

[NP_Complete]

My therapist hand wrote me a letter before our holiday break. It means a lot to me. I hope he realizes how much that actually meant to me. It sits where I can see it everyday and I still read it occasionally.

[fille_folle]

My T hasn't written me anything, but I do feel a little twinge of something whenever I catch a glance at her handwritten notes. I can't see what she's written, but it seems like a lot.

[hopealwayz]

I wish I did but the closest I have is emails which I’m still grateful for.