Posted by Daisym on November 8, 2004, at 20:13:09
In reply to Re: Maintenance Therapy, posted by shortelise on November 8, 2004, at 19:58:36
Not that I'm anywhere near this, but I think we all worry that we are setting ourselves up for being hopelessly dependent for a lifetime. My therapist argues often and passionately for interdependency. He believes that human beings need each other, and they need at least one person who can be completely accepting of their inner self. As I increase frequency "for now" he assures me that I won't always feel like this, and I won't always need him this much. But the frequency allows the emotions to be discharged regularly, because there is so much emotion right now. When the emotional build up is less, and you've "learned" how to discharge it with significant others, or through life coping techniques, you naturally move away from your therapist and need less frequent sessions.
Of course, if you don't have have resources to accomplish this discharge, or you are comfortable with continuing to use your therapist in this way, you may never terminate completely. My therapist is OK with this too...he says it is up to me. He still has folks he sees 4 or 5 times a year, just to check in with. Truthfully, I don't know what I wish for right now. I just wish the whole process wasn't so painful. Makes me have total empathy for the toddlers I work with when their mothers leave them.
poster:Daisym
thread:413412
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20041104/msgs/413488.html