Posted by Dinah on October 7, 2003, at 11:15:25
In reply to Re: Please read...Code of Ethics Therapy » Dinah, posted by jay on October 7, 2003, at 10:50:33
> I understand what you are saying...and the smallest amount of attraction should only be able to be picked up if you where a psychic. I don't mean to be arrogant or whatever, but I have plenty of first-hand experience, twice with me and numerous with other colleagues. The two times with me involved slightly covert, but suspicious questions about *me* as a person, and my personal life.(VERY blatent questions.) Most counsellors who find this is an issue will discuss it with colleagues first.
>
> Again, I am not trying to say that clients, in their minds, should not harbour any feelings towards a therapist. That would be humanly impossible. But, when that line is crossed and feelings turn into words, or an inappropriate gesture, the common practice is to terminate.
>
Arrrgh, Jay.....That is not the *common* practice, and you're scaring people. Please check your facts. A therapist who turns feelings into inappropriate words or gestures is wrong and should be terminated. A client who turns feelings into words is doing their job as a client. You are *supposed* to put your feelings into words. You aren't supposed to keep those things to yourself. You would be doing the wrong thing to keep those things to yourself. You aren't supposed to sexually attack your therapist, disrobe, or harass your therapist. But you aren't wrong in *saying* you are attracted to him or her!!!!!!!!!
If a client asks private questions you don't terminate him either. You enforce the boundaries of the therapeutic relationship. You do not terminate a client that easily. You'd be in huge malpractice area for that. You tell them you aren't willing to share that information. You ask them why it's important for them to know that information.
Your average therapist is NOT going to terminate a client for *any* feelings (note I say feelings, not threats) a client reports towards him. Your average therapist will not terminate for covert or overt questions about his private life. Goodness gracious. No therapists would have any clients!!!
What are you saying? That you should treat your therapist like your accountant or lawyer? You are in an intimate relationship where feelings are likely to crop up. You are in a relationship that is intimate if only because you are supposed to discuss your feelings!!!
I'm sorry to get so upset here, but you've already scared Adia. And many people read this board who don't post and may decide never to tell their therapist what they're thinking based on your words. That's the Psychological Babble equivalent of telling people to mix booze and their psych meds on Psycho-Babble. It's harmful to people to say these things. Please check it out first and if your social worker board agrees with you, forward their reply to this board.
Because this is contrary to every thing I have ever heard about therapy. And if your social worker board agrees with you, I have some writing myself to do to the APA, American Social Worker board, and yours as well.
I would be very interested to know if they agree with you. But please check it out before you keep telling people they are bad for expressing their feelings to their therapist.
In fact, if you like, I will forward your posts to the Canadian Board of Social Workers and publicly post their replies on this board.
poster:Dinah
thread:266267
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20030925/msgs/266348.html