So for 9 yrs I've spent more time looking at T's bookshelves rather than make eye contact. Last session I was looking then asked T if she had moved any books? T got a big smile and said that she had put 4 books back and wondered as she did it would I notice. She added that she hadn't done it on purpose.
The thought that that part of me, my relating to her bookshelves so much is known by her felt warming. Like a mother knows all her children's different idiocys.
In the past she has remarked with how impressed she was that I knew exactly what order the books went in. I mean we talking a whole wall of bookshelves here lol

After a thread here where y'all were talking about your Ts' bookshelves, I was looking at my T's shelf to see what books he had there. At some point during the session, he stopped and asked, "WHAT are you looking at?" Me: "Nothing."

At the marriage counselor's office, the bookshelf if behind him and to one side. At that office, I DO look at the bookshelf all the time and it annoys me how he has it arranged. Books should be alphabetized, or lined up by height, or something. His books seem all haphazardly put in there (not alphabetical definitely) and all jagged looking because the heights of the books go up and down. I don't like it. If I knew how he had them organized -- maybe by subject? -- it wouldn't bother me as much.

[learning1]

a bookshelf would make t's offices look more lived in. the ones I go to look so bare and temporary.

[Mike_J]

Originally Posted by learning1

a bookshelf would make t's offices look more lived in. the ones I go to look so bare and temporary.

I agree, and the bookshelves has to not look staged, but appear to be a useful object not just a decoration. My therapist just moved to a new office, I'm a bit anxious for her to get all settled in so I can start to adjust to the new surroundings too.

And it's so cool that your therapist would do something to see if you noticed.

Originally Posted by Mike_J

I agree, and the bookshelves has to not look staged, but appear to be a useful object not just a decoration. My therapist just moved to a new office, I'm a bit anxious for her to get all settled in so I can start to adjust to the new surroundings too.

And it's so cool that your therapist would do something to see if you noticed.

Earthmamma , that could be a sign of you being highly gifted Maybe your T thinks the same

My old T used to REMOVE her book shelves from session to session, change the clocks on the wall, the WHOLE waiting room decor AND pictures on the wall all the time. That would not have taking the skills you describe to observe that, although maybe I should have mentioned it. Pure "La la land" Your T sounds great.

[Wren_]

it does sound special ... like she knows and appreciates a lot who you are and values that part of you that knows her books