Posted by Karen_kay on February 22, 2004, at 15:23:15
In reply to Re: That's about all I know of mine, too » shortelise, posted by Dinah on February 22, 2004, at 14:56:29
I know too much entirely. I know that his dad died in a way similar to mine. I know his age. I know his usual sleep schedule. I know he thinks of clients at times when he masturbates. I know he thinks I'm beautiful. I know much more, but I won't say it as it would jsut be a waste of time...
But, I have mixed emotions on this issue. He's trying to help me form an emotional attachment to him. And it's working. And it's not sexual or "fatherly" in any way. It's helpful to me to know that I would be hurt if he went away. That we are similar in some ways. That he trusts me enough to tell me these things. Maybe he talks too much. Maybe he knows what he's doing. But, he's helped me quite a bit. And if he's making a mistake, I'll forgive him for it as he's really helped me. So, I guess it depends on the desired result from self disclosure. If it's to fill a need that the therapist has, it's wrong and unethical IMO. If it's to help the client trust and form an attachment, it's working. Maybe it's a boundary violation, but it's working... I'm trying not to be one-sided in this matter, but why do I feel everyone's picking on my therapist. His approach is working for me. And it's not causing too many problems in my life, other than me worrying about him. So, why not self disclose for the SOLE purpose of helping the client. We'll never really know the motivations behind it. So, if it's working, why not? If it's harmful, no way!
poster:Karen_kay
thread:316425
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040218/msgs/316545.html