Posted by Miss Honeychurch on February 22, 2004, at 16:36:46
In reply to Erika Schmidt, LCSW - therapist self disclosure, posted by Dinah on February 22, 2004, at 9:17:34
Dinah,
That was so well written. You have just stated what I have been feeling for the past few months here on babble about the alarming amount of self-disclosure about really inappropriate things. Having a therapist with REALLY strict boundaries has been so wonderful for me. To me, this proves that he really cares about me, that he wants to give me the best care possible and that he values himself as well.
A month or so ago My T and I were talking about how there are some therapists who never admit when they cannot help their patient or who want to keep their patients dependent on them for a few reasons (monetary, selfish, etc). He told me he would not hesitate to refer me on if he thought he wasn't helping me. He said this rather clinically and matter of factly which hurt my feelings, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized how much he was looking out for mine and all of his patients best interests. This made me love him even more.
I know by not self-disclosing some things that he is taking the proper and correct care of me. He is truly professional and I don't want any less for myself. If he were to disclose anything remotely inappropriate right now I would be so sad. I think in the beginning of our relationship I would have felt giddy, but now I know it would be pure sadness since I would know he didn't have my best interests at heart.
poster:Miss Honeychurch
thread:316425
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040218/msgs/316573.html