For those whose T's have given them transitional objects

I think it's weird that your T hadn't ever encountered this before. You're feelings are normal!

I am pretty sure the idea of a transitional object comes from Winnicott- the guy who came up with the "good enough " parent. He is really main stream for T's.

Guess I never really updated this thread...the whole transitional object saga with my T did not end well and led to a rupture and me wondering if I should just leave...(I also gave the stone back, through my choice, which made me very sad). We spent a few sessions talking about it, and, while I still feel hurt by some of what he said, we seem to have worked through things and are OK again. I can post a more detailed update (or link to posts where the updates are, whichever), if anyone is interested.

Yes it was, although I think it's a much misunderstood and misused concept.

My T offered me a transitional object once, but I froze and said no, even though I wanted to say yes. I hate myself!

She did make some kind of comment about it reminding me of "the space," though. I was reminded of that when the whole thing happened with your T. I hope my T doesn't have the same daft ideas about what transitional objects are and was just saying "the space" to divert attention from herself or something. It was really soon after we started therapy.

My therapist is going for a 2- week vacation soon. I have a strong urge to take the couch pillow I always hide behind. That feels kind of weird to me though. If I were to ask for something I'd actually take, I would ask for his pencil or pen he's always writing with. I'm too embarrassed to ask though.

I’d be interested in an update (or link) ... I did have a rupture with a T which kinda reminded me of this...yeah I agree... there’s some weirdness in your T for ? .. not having experienced this before

Here you go (warning, lots of reading material!)


Here's the session from where we discussed what he meant by "10% weird" (it was...not a good session).

Then the session I requested the next day because I was really upset (a very intense session, from both sides).

An e-mail exchange later that week


Then the session after that, where we mostly worked things out. Part 1 and Part 2


Things have generally been OK to good with him since then.

My T would definitely react like yours or maybe even say no but let's talk about why you want one- are you trying to take over the role of T? I don't think he immediately conjures up a scenario in his mind in which a patient is deeply emotionally attached to him, as he views himself as a doctor. He doesn't think in terms of relational as a first inkling or even fifth. He sees himself entering into the patient's world and improving things within that, not becoming a part of it.

He has written a few heartfelt and charming few-line emails over the two years, and they might in some way be a transitional object for me(?).

T never took the first step with this. But if I've shown any sort of transference with an object she would have acknowledged that and allowed me to hold onto it.
It's the ABC of object relations. Why would any so called T fined it wierd. I'd find that wierd.