Dependence

Mar 27, 2014, 06:16 PM

If anyone is interested in a different view....

Dependency has different definitions depending on the context. I generally think of it as a concept related to the state of someone's sense of self, sort of like Petra5d's comment above alluded to.

But in the context of my therapy, dependency is one of the elements that makes it so effective for me.

Quote:

Transference describes the tendency for a person to base some of her perceptions and expectations in present day relationships on his or her earlier attachments, especially to parents, siblings, and significant others. Because of transference, we do not see others entirely objectively but rather "transfer" onto them qualities of other important figures our earlier life. Thus transference leads to distortions in interpersonal relationships, as well as nuances of intensity and fantasy.

The psychoanalytic treatment setting is designed to magnify transference phenomena so that they can be examined and untangled from present day relationships. In a sense, psychoanalyst and patient create a relationship where all the patient’s transference experiences are brought into the psychoanalytic setting and can be understood.

Whatever theoretical perspective a psychoanalysis employs, the fundamentals of psychoanalysis are always present—an understanding of transference, an interest in the unconscious, and the centrality of the psychoanalyst-patient relationship in the healing process.

The therapy frame and relationship dynamics allow me to experience my therapist similar to my previous caregivers in the transference. The conditions magnify the transference (thus, the neediness comes out). In sessions, I feel regressed, child-like, and experience emotions I would not generally feel in other adult relationships. We work through this transference, experiencing those feelings in the context of a good relationship this time, which is a way of "rewriting" into my brain the original, abusive experience with caregivers.

Yes, I feel needy, but dependency in my therapy has nothing to do with the issues I hear about here-frequent calls, being helpless, etc. It's simply a tool that makes the therapy work.

Well, this doesn't tell the whole story, but I wanted to share my thoughts.

http://www.apsa.org/ABOUT_PSYCHOANAL...OANALYSIS.aspx

Lauliza · Mar 27, 2014, 08:57 PM

I am dependent on my psychiatrist, but not my T. I think he knows it, as I see him once a month when most people go ever 2-3 months. I do have feelings for him, but I think it's deeper than that. There is an unspoken dynamic with us because of our similar circumstances and that makes me feel safe I guess. It's 20 minute sessions, nothing crazy. My t knows and sometimes seems mildly annoyed by it for some reason, possibly she feels slightly insulted? Either way he seems to be my safe place which seems healthy to me, but I could be wrong. But I think his help in helping me relate to men is something I can't go without. I'm sure he knows and it doesn't bother him.

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