Posted by Dinah on February 23, 2003, at 18:04:45
In reply to Re: The value of repression, posted by OddipusRex on February 22, 2003, at 22:28:12
I think the most important part of the message is that it isn't a one size fits all sort of thing.
It probably isn't healthy for anyone to be perpetually turned to the past. And it probably isn't healthy for anyone to be able to ignore the truth of what happened to the point of creating their own reality (think my parents).
I'm guessing therapy is generally some of understanding why you are how you are, some part unloading the stuff you're carrying around right now, and some part learning new coping skills. And how much detective, how much priest/confessor, and how much teacher/coach a therapist needs to be probably differs from client to client and from time to time. That's why therapy can't be done by a machine.
Trying to distract someone who needs to talk about a trauma to process it wouldn't be good therapy. Letting someone dwell endlessly on a trauma when they need to divert their attention towards others wouldn't be good therapy.
(P.S. And this is just me mind you, not speaking for anyone else. But I think I wouldn't last long as Dusty Miller's client. That happy positive stuff laid on that thick irritates the living daylights out of me.)
poster:Dinah
thread:202880
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20030203/msgs/203128.html