Posted by Dinah on November 6, 2010, at 9:28:29
In reply to Re: Foot in mouth - Funny (but not) therapy story » Dinah, posted by Solstice on November 6, 2010, at 8:51:09
Well, to be fair to him, I do press for a greater degree of honesty than many clients might like. I want him to tell me when he's angry or irritated with me. I was delighted when he admitted to occasionally being bored, although perhaps it's just as well that he still refuses to say he's currently bored. I was happy when he said what he said about my voice being soothing, and quit excusing his sleepiness by saying that it was because he'd had a heavy lunch, then when we switched to morning sessions, that it was because he hadn't slept well. I always appreciate it when he acknowledges the truth of what I perceive, rather than try to tell me that what I know isn't true at all.
But to me it should be obvious that there is a difference between acknowledging that my voice makes him sleepy, and saying that he dreads hearing me speak or thinks "oh no, please don't talk". The whole therapy arrangement is built on talking. How am I ever to speak again without feeling like I'm doing something he dreads?
My therapist is prone to this sort of thing, but I would think even he would understand that you don't tell a client that you dread hearing her voice, for whatever reason - even if it's just because you'll feel sleepy and embarrass yourself as a professional. "Please don't talk" is something that ought not come out of a therapist's mouth. Period.
I know he's fond of me, and doesn't really want me to stop talking to him. Which is why I think he deserves special honors for foot in mouth gaffes. He really has received more than his share of talent in this area.
poster:Dinah
thread:968763
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20101023/msgs/968772.html