[ThingWithFeathers]

I think I'm pretty influenced by my T. I guess I must trust her, or may I just want to earn her approval. Maybe it's both. I find myself doing things simply because she has suggested it. For example, if my T suggests I go for a walk to clear my head, I always do it. It's like I think to myself 'Oh yeah! T said I should go for a walk.' And that's what I do, even if I'm tired or don't at all feel like it.

I just got to wondering - to what extent others are influenced by their T's and in what way you are influenced?

[HazelGirl]

I am pretty influenced by her. I do the things she says, and sometimes will do things to make her happy, etc...

[archipelago]

I'm very different from my shrink in most ways, but we both have alternative, counter-cultural tendencies which do include things like values as well as just attitudes toward life. We don't talk about that stuff directly really, but it comes up as we look and respond to other things. For a while I tried to look more "straight" than I was, but now I feel freer and even proud.

[stopdog]

Not very. I am more inclined to think about it if the woman gives explanation for what she says or why she is saying and why at this time. Since I usually tell her not to talk at all, it does not come up much anymore.

[Can't Stop Crying]

I am very influenced by my T. I value his insight and suggestions. I am constantly doubting my own thoughts/judgments....he provides the balance I need....

[guilloche]

I am still new with T... but I think I'm a little suggestable and easily influenced, as long as things aren't going too terrible between us.

For example... T has been casually (but repeatedly) mentioning that "if things goes well, maybe in a couple months you could go do something that gets you around more people..." (this is where the whole "go to a club" thing came up, that made me say, "huh? no!!")

So... there was this acting class that I'd thought about taking for the last few years. I finally just did it! Had the first lesson last weekend... was actually alot of fun, though a little overwhelming. I seriously think part of my brain is thinking, "OK! Now he'll stop telling me to go do something!" LOL.

So I think I'm easily influenced, as long as it's soft, gently influence...suggestions... if someone tries to force something or be too pushy, I can be very very stubborn