Posted by shar on November 16, 2003, at 23:08:07
Sometimes when I read messages full of angst or concern about therapists, I want to tell people that they are on a journey, walking a path, with their therapist.
Whatever happens, happens for both. Whatever growth, sadness, self-acceptance....it is because the two are on a path together. Sure there are times where separations and misunderstandings occur, but by and large this is a journey the two (or more) of you have undertaken together.
The outcome is unknown until it happens. In the mean time, it could be a wonderful opportunity to learn about holding on to yourself, accepting yourself, rejecting the things we learned when we were misused, and more.
Maybe I'm just thinking this way because I've been involved in organizing a yoga retreat at a Hindu ashram here. But, I've always felt that my therapist and I were on a journey that affected both of us. (And, it hasn't been all happy and Pollyanna stuff, either! We've fought, knocked, and banged (verbally) as much as two people can, and I am grateful for those times too.)
I know if I forget immediately what happened during a session, that needs more work. I've even said, ok--I'm going to ask you to remind me of this. Sometimes the hard stuff is hard to remember. The negative things we were taught about ourselves may need to be gone over...and over...and over again, until we find a way to put it in its place.
I'm wanting to convey that no client is one-down. Every client deserves to get their money's worth. We are, in a sense, making a contract, and not there to please anyone, or annoy anyone--we are there to get the attention that is ours for 50 minutes, and assistance with what bothers us. No client deserves less than their therapist's best. (ok, I have to admit we all have our off days......)
Oh, well,
Shar
poster:shar
thread:280391
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20031114/msgs/280391.html