Posted by pegasus on August 6, 2009, at 9:07:01
In reply to Re: Managing a therapeutic relationship » obsidian, posted by Daisym on August 6, 2009, at 0:43:53
I agree with everyone who is advocating taking care of yourself, and having good support/relationships with others to the extent possible (which seems to increase as therapy progresses). And . . . as I think about this more, I realize that the most helpful thing for me in dealing with such an intense relationship was learning to be as direct and open as possible with my T, like Daisy said. Talking about all of it with my T brought the most relief. Having it all on the table when he left was very helpful, both then, and now. I have less to guess and ruminate about, and more evidence about the strength of the relationship.
I also truly believe that there isn't a way to manage a therapeutic relationship so that there isn't significant risk, or significant pain, along with the benefit. So, maybe that's also got to be part of the work: learning to tolerate risk and pain. Which is tied up with developing object constancy, and trust -- with respect to the T, and also with respect to oneself.
I'm thinking as I'm typing, and I'm finding this topic really helpful for organizing some previously disorganized thoughts. Thanks for starting it emilyp!
peg
poster:pegasus
thread:910319
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20090730/msgs/910559.html