What does your T do when you cry?

Oh I wasn't meaning to sound like I was attacking you, I am really intrigued. What they do sounds great, just wouldn't work for me in T.

The mindhug was awesome.

Interesting question. I have have never full out cried in session, but she has passed the kleenex box my way. Most times I just wipe the tear or two away with my hand, so she isn't even bothering to pass the box my way anymore.

i've been in therapy for 5 years and haven't cried. i have come close a few times, but none that she could tell. i've left her a few VM's with a shaky voice, but taht is about it. i actually can NOT imagine ever crying in therapy.

Could someone please explain why offering a tissue is 'rescuing' and what that means?

as far as I know nothing.... I don't look at him and I attempt to stop.

It's a behavioral intervention that carries its own meanings and those then influence (or contaminate, depending upon theoretical perspective) the therapy. Ts who are very strictly psychoanalytically trained may adhere to boundaries that are very non-interventionist.

Most Ts I've heard of who practice from a psychodynamic orientation, take a less strict approach to behavioral interventions, advice, etc. And other schools of thought encourage interventions like self-disclosure.

She will often cry with me, hold my hand, hug me, stroke hair, even sometimes wipe away my tears. Really, just anything any other normal human being would do to comfort somebody in distress. There is no other healing power like that of human comforting touch. I am so glad i have a therapist who doesnt have staunch boundaries.

Thank you everyone who posted on here. Funny that the week I posted this thread = the week my T started a conversation about how he feels when I cry, and we hit on some really important stuff. Guess some part of me knew it mattered.

ETA: he said he has no hard and fast rules about whether or not to pass a tissue or anything else.