So from my experience in therapy which is limited as I have seen two ts for a year each and a few random ones for a session here and there.
T1 was of the opinion that she was there to support me, that therapy was up to the client to heal themselves. She was there but not very active, even telling me off for not talking and her having to do all the work!
Current t has been like a crutch, holding me up. She has helped me everyway possible and encouraged me, told me it was my therapy and I could do what I liked basically cos I was paying for it.
She has been very active in my healing and helped a great deal.
My point is, how exactly do you define therapy and what is the therapists role in this process?

[tinyrabbit]

I think it depends on the individual. A T who just sat there while I did the talking would be zero help. My T says I need to be challenged, but I also need to be 'held' - and that I don't have to do anything except show up. No pressure to talk.

I think Ts are there to help you change and heal, and to give you the tools to do that. If all they do is act as a crutch they aren't doing their job. They need to teach you to fish, not a) just give you a fish or b) sit idly by and ask why you're not catching any fish yet.

[unaluna]

I see it as, I go in there and say what's on my mind, and I expect the t to read me like a book! - connect things, find the symbolism behind my metaphors, figure out why I'm so nutso and then tell me. But I don't think it works that way, because I had a habit of saying no to everything he suggested, so we had to break me of that. And breaking that habit was like cracking open an egg - NOW therapy can begin. Now my life can begin again.

[LadyShadow]

I think a T is there just for support and you have to do most of the work. I mean a therapist who just sits there and lets you just talk and doesn't give any input is not a good T, but one who can decipher what you're saying and give you positive feedback is a good one.

Ultimately, its up to you to take the advice T gives you and put it to work. Miracles can happen, but only in your own head, and you have to put it there. Just an opinion though.

Originally Posted by tinyrabbit

I think it depends on the individual. A T who just sat there while I did the talking would be zero help. My T says I need to be challenged, but I also need to be 'held' - and that I don't have to do anything except show up. No pressure to talk.

I think Ts are there to help you change and heal, and to give you the tools to do that. If all they do is act as a crutch they aren't doing their job. They need to teach you to fish, not a) just give you a fish or b) sit idly by and ask why you're not catching any fish yet.

Great way of describing it TR. I am with you all the way. I like a more active t, someone who throws the rod out and then helps you reel those babies in. I can talk to a friend if I just want someone to listen to me

Originally Posted by hankster

I see it as, I go in there and say what's on my mind, and I expect the t to read me like a book! - connect things, find the symbolism behind my metaphors, figure out why I'm so nutso and then tell me. But I don't think it works that way, because I had a habit of saying no to everything he suggested, so we had to break me of that. And breaking that habit was like cracking open an egg - NOW therapy can begin. Now my life can begin again.

HAnkster lol, you are not nutso, I would say unique
I want a t to put the pieces of my puzzle together. I have all of these strange feelings and things that are not normal and I want a t to say this is why you are like this or do this and this is what you need to do to stop feeling like that but so far I have never had a t do this. Is it just me or do I attract all the weird ts.

Originally Posted by PlatinumHeart

I think a T is there just for support and you have to do most of the work. I mean a therapist who just sits there and lets you just talk and doesn't give any input is not a good T, but one who can decipher what you're saying and give you positive feedback is a good one.

Ultimately, its up to you to take the advice T gives you and put it to work. Miracles can happen, but only in your own head, and you have to put it there. Just an opinion though.

I agree we do all of the work but t has to do some too. I hate lazy ts who give up on clients because they are too much like hard work. A t should not be doing the job anymore if they lose interests in helping their clients.