[CantExplain]

A thought.

In some senses, the T relationship is very broad, eg there are in principle no subjects that cannot be discussed.

But in other ways it is very narrow and confined. It is limited to a small space and a short time and there are very few permitted forms of interaction. We can speak and listen and see each other, but that's it.

So the T relationship can be fragile, and when things go wrong, there is too little to fall back on.

Could it be that the rope that bound me to Madame T was simply not thick enough to carry the burden?

[growlycat]

Ive seen the lack of flexibility on the t's part to be a big reason why therapy can fail. If a therapist lacks accountability it's difficult to expect a patient to be accountable. Flexibility and healthy boundary crossings (not violations) are keys to success.

[thesnowqueen]

It's a very circumscribed relationship...

[chihirochild]

I'm fascinated by your question. Do you think that the fragility of therapy (and/or the inability for a particular therapeutic relationship to do the work desired by the client) results directly from the places where things are narrow? What would the relationship fall back on, if things were different?

[satsuma]

For me, I think that team work and shared goals agreed by the therapist and the client are very important - so if or when things get tough, or there is a "rupture" of the relationship, there is still a sense of being on the same team. I think that really worked for me.