[id42]

I've had more than one therapist tell me that I look at things from others' perspectives quite often than most people. Both times it sounded like they were saying it's a good/positive thing.

Is it something that is said to patients to encourage them in a certain way or to help them overcome / realize something? Do therapists end up saying that to half of their patients?

Thanks,

ID

I too think they are saying it in a good way. My thought is that, you can step out of yourself, and be aware of "another." It could be a problem sometimes, if you neglect your own needs and feelings when it comes to acting in a particular situation.

Originally Posted by id42

I've had more than one therapist tell me that I look at things from others' perspectives quite often than most people. Both times it sounded like they were saying it's a good/positive thing.


Is it something that is said to patients to encourage them in a certain way or to help them overcome / realize something? Do therapists end up saying that to half of their patients?


Thanks,


ID

I think it is a really positive attribute to have and it is only through doing that and stepping into another's shoes can we have real empathy for another.
I agree with Walkthatroad in that if you always see through another's eyes how can you see through your own and be able to see what you really need.
I have atruggled with this is the past having too much empathy and always putting others first, for years I didnt even realise that I had needs too.

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[Bipolar Warrior]

I am the same, and I have realised that it is partly because dealing with other people's problems means I don't have to look at my own. My therapists have helped me see that I use it as a coping mechanism, of sorts, in order to avoid my own issues. It is also very much in line with this self-abusive belief: "I deserve all this pain and suffering, whereas other people don't."

[Ididitmyway]

I think your therapist said that because it seemed relevant to her in the context of your situation and your work with her. Since I don't know the context I can't speculate on what she was trying to convey. But to answer your question, it's not a "traditional" a.k.a common thing for Ts to say to clients in general in order to convey some specific message. I think, your T's comment was very specific to your situation.

[id42]

Thank you all for the feedback.

I think it's probably a negative thing for me and she was bringing my attention to it.

She is very good at encouraging and I haven't figured out how to ask her to be more critical or direct. I think it's because I feel like it's a distrustful thing to say...

"yeah, I appreciate all your words but would you mind leveling and being honest with me?"