What is the most “unorthodox” thing your T has done?

One former T sent me texts all the time about random things. I didn't mind, but I just thought it was strange.

Another former T came and picked me up during a rough time and I stayed the weekend at her house. Before anyone calls it unethical, she did nothing but give me a safe place to be & it made our bond so solid that we still keep in touch 25 yrs later.

Oh, and another one would go on bike rides with me for our sessions.

it probably would be unethical to the industry and the "board" as would many of these BUT I've no issue with it, in fact, I think it's incredible that you keep in touch so long after, I only hope I'm that lucky someday with my T.

I hope you are as well!

I have had lunch with a former therapist from treatment a few times. I’m also Facebook friends with her. She often comments on my posts. The only weird thing she’s done is she has told me not to tell anyone else from treatment that I’m Facebook friends with her. She told me at lunch one time “I don’t want those girls looking at my stuff.” She just doesn’t want anything to do with anyone but me. It’s kind of odd. Plus I don’t think she actually has these people blocked so it’s awkward as well when she’s commenting on all my stuff but refuses to respond to them. That has happened to me in the past before with other people and I’ve always felt like I did something wrong to this person.

I once had a T who gave me gifts and money. I had a pattern where men would try to give me money, jobs, and other things and go out of their way to do things for me. While outside of therapy, I didn't accept things, T taught me how to accept gifts and care. He was unorthodox in other ways too but had a safe and genuine way of working.

I see a big difference with an unorthodox but competent T and an incompetent T who has bad boundaries, likely acting in ways to get their own needs met. I know there are grey areas but am surprised no one has made the distinguishment.

Interesting topic.

Thanks all, this is all very interesting. I agree that “unorthodox” doesn’t have to mean “bad”. I’d be weary of ts who are 100% textbook and unwilling to bend (within reason) for the benefit of the client. It’s what makes the relationship human and authentic.

My T has thrown things at me when I'm being difficult (things like paper to get my attention). He has sat next to me on the sofa so we could watch a movie clip together. We have sat on the floor. Umm... nothing really major, just little things like that.

During a particularly heavy session she allowed me to go over by several hours (I was her last appointment of the day) without extra payment.

Old T (not the one that just terminated) - sends out a Christmas email to all his clients, past and present. It's been a couple years, and I'm still getting them!

It's so utterly bizarre to me. I mean, he didn't ask - he just apparently puts everyone on the list. (You can email him to unsubscribe.) And it's only once a year, usually either November or December.

In the past, sometimes it's been a nice letter talking about something... trying to make a point through whatever story he's sharing.

But, the last couple years, it's been a little more like an advertisement for some presentations that he's been involved in. "Ad" is probably too strong a word, but it's definitely been "come to this great presentation about communication that me and (somebody else) are giving!".

Hmmm... this sounds even more odd when I try to type it out!

I stay on the list... because I kind of, just a tiny little bit, miss old T. There was a lot that didn't work there, but there was some good stuff too.

I also had a psychiatrist who saw me free for a year when I had financial difficulties.

Mental health doctors have been good to me. Luckily I also knew the ones to run from.

I would say but I doubt it would be well received so lets just say it was the most "unorthodox" thing that could happen. and the best thing ever as well

Sounds awesome! Message me anytime, I can swap some of mine with you as I wont share mine here either