Posted by Susan47 on December 11, 2004, at 20:07:57
I saw my ex-psychologist very briefly yesterday, in his outer office.
It was a one-year anniversary visit for me, of standing at his counter and announcing that I was leaving my husband and my children. This announcement was a surprise to myself. It was huge. I couldn't believe I'd said anything like that, but when it was out, I knew it was the most natural thing in the world for me, a decision I'd made subconsciously, and one I'd probably been living with for a long time. But I digress....
My ex-T looked too normal, like I'd rarely seen him look in the past. Unanimated, although he certainly talked, and kind of lifeless. It was depressing. We wished each other good Christmases, and I was off.
I've been thinking for the last few hours, about him, and how he was in therapy, and how he seems to me now. I know this isn't all transference. He's genuinely keyed-down, to the point of wearing drab clothes, and even looking drab in complexion. I don't think he's ill; it's not that. It's something coming from his brain.
I know I sound weird talking about this, I know my perceptions may be off-key in vision. However, my question - FINALLY - for you is this: do you yourself believe that it's possible that therapy actually animates the therapist, that it's GOOD FOR HIM or her, and that it makes some therapists feel alive, feel good?
Just as an aside, I have a job working directly with the public, I meet probably a hundred new people every day and help at least half of them in a highly personal manner, and I find I've never felt happier. Wow. What a word.
poster:Susan47
thread:427925
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20041210/msgs/427925.html