[treloarbabe]

I have been in therapy for 9 weeks. Last week I nearly bolted as felt I couldn't do it anymore.

I texted T to let her know I would keep my appointment this week instead of cancel it like I said to her l may want to last week.



This was her response:

' I can't tell you how delighted I am to hear that. You are in NO way a pain. I hold very carefully all that you tell me and acknowledge how painful this process feels. I am here for you and am alongside you for this journey'

As stupid as it sounds, what do you think she means by this? I worry about burdening people and being too much for them etc.

Thanks

[SalingerEsme]

"alongside you" is a therapy term for when a T tried a few things to connect, but didnt get it right with a client. It is from Motivational Interviewing technique( I think). I read this as she is probably worried she "missed" you or didnt say the right thing in the moment. She is the one responsible for the therapeutic alliance and for initiating repair of any rupture between you.

[ruh roh]

She is saying she's delighted you're going to keep your appointment. She's being supportive of you. That is the opposite of feeling like you're a burden to her.

In contrast, mine has never said she would be delighted to see me after I had been wavering on returning. When I cancelled a standing appointment, she just wanted to confirm with me that I was cancelling. In her view, it's my choice and she won't weigh in one way or the other. I think it's really nice that your therapist is being so warm and supportive about your decision to return.

[awkwardlyyours]

Originally Posted by ruh roh

She is saying she's delighted you're going to keep your appointment. She's being supportive of you. That is the opposite of feeling like you're a burden to her.

In contrast, mine has never said she would be delighted to see me after I had been wavering on returning. When I cancelled a standing appointment, she just wanted to confirm with me that I was cancelling. In her view, it's my choice and she won't weigh in one way or the other. I think it's really nice that your therapist is being so warm and supportive about your decision to return.

OP -- I agree with rr.

rr -- not to say this yet again, but your therapist bought.you.a.punching.bag.

Blondie often tells me how she's delighted to see me (or sad / concerned about not seeing me).

But, then I get the sense that Blondie is rather constantly.........delighted. And, I simply happen to be a casualty in the process.

[ruh roh]

Originally Posted by awkwardlyyours

OP -- I agree with rr.

rr -- not to say this yet again, but your therapist bought.you.a.punching.bag.

Blondie often tells me how she's delighted to see me (or sad / concerned about not seeing me).

But, then I get the sense that Blondie is rather constantly.........delighted. And, I simply happen to be a casualty in the process.

Oh yeah...see, I forget these things. Thank you!

[maybeblue]

Originally Posted by treloarbabe

I worry about burdening people and being too much for them etc.

I worry about this too so I can understand, but it sounds very much like she likes you and wants to keep working with you.

[mcl6136]

Originally Posted by ruh roh

She is saying she's delighted you're going to keep your appointment. She's being supportive of you. That is the opposite of feeling like you're a burden to her.

In contrast, mine has never said she would be delighted to see me after I had been wavering on returning. When I cancelled a standing appointment, she just wanted to confirm with me that I was cancelling. In her view, it's my choice and she won't weigh in one way or the other. I think it's really nice that your therapist is being so warm and supportive about your decision to return.

I underscore this...she is shoring you up and being there for you!

What part of the message don't you understand? It seems like a standard reassurance translated into therapy speak to me, but you can ask her for clarification on any bits you can't understand.