Posted by Tabitha on March 17, 2003, at 0:53:26
In reply to Psychotherpy, posted by FredPotter on March 17, 2003, at 0:29:58
good therapists are better listeners than most people, since they're trained not to mix up their issues with yours, which is what most people do, even the well-intentioned ones. They also are less likely to minimize, or moralize, or rescue. They can stand listing to deep pain and suicidal feelings without getting wrapped up and upset, so you can confide more without worrying about their reaction.
It can also feel like you have cleaner boundaries with them, since you pay them money, so you don't have to pay them in other ways. With friends, if they listen to your problems enough, you owe them something, and when your problems are overwhelming, you don't always have anything to give back. Plus no worries a therapist will pass on what you say to others in your social circle.
Plus there's supposed to be a therapy process that goes on, that leads to more insight and healing than just talking to a sympathetic ear, though sometimes I'm skeptical anything special is really happening.
Not to say you shouldn't draw on your friends' support, that's great, it's just a different type of relationship with a therapist.
poster:Tabitha
thread:209882
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20030310/msgs/209886.html