Posted by Dinah on September 11, 2003, at 1:28:26
In reply to Do I need my therapist to love me?, posted by kara lynne on September 10, 2003, at 14:05:36
No, you probably don't need him to love you. My therapist doesn't love me, but he provides the stability and patience and acceptance that I need to trust.
From the beginning, it's been clear that this therapist is from a confrontive school of therapy. I imagine that works well on some people. Certainly I've seen case studies where beautifully executed confrontations turn a person's life around in just two or three sessions. :)
But the question is whether his style suits you. Because the best indicator for therapy outcome is the client's view of the therapeutic relationship. You've had a few sessions with him now. On general has his approach been helpful to you?
My therapist and I have had a few discussions lately on his theory of therapy and change. It's been illuminating. Perhaps if your therapist explains what he thinks his job is, it will clear things up quite a bit in your mind.
There are tons of therapists, with countless variations of theory and personality. Some of them may feel more comfortable. Some may feel more useful. The best ones for you would probably feel a fine mixture of both.
At any rate, it can't hurt to ask him, can it?
poster:Dinah
thread:258785
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20030905/msgs/258985.html