Posted by shrinking violet on March 24, 2005, at 19:06:30
In reply to My therapist gave me a cushion!, posted by pretty_paints on March 24, 2005, at 10:47:46
Aw, that is sweet. My T did a similar thing over the holiday break.....She has these two soft decorative pillows that sit, one on each chair, in her office. I always cuddle one during sessions. What was odd, was that before I went to the last session before the break in December, I was silently wishing I could take home one of the pillows, but I would NEVER ask. As I was about to leave, I put down the pillow so I could get up, and my T asked me if I wanted to take it and hold it for her while we were apart. Needless to say, that pillow hardly left my side during that time and it was a great comfort to me. She's let me take it a couple of more times as well, even between regular sessions.
As for your reaction, I suspect it will begin to change, if it hasn't already. While some part of you is elated at the gesture, it still may be a bit jarring having a part of your sacred therapy space in your home, for example. Maybe keep a written record of your feelings toward the cushion as they come about....it will make for an interesting session when your T returns. Recently my T bought me a flower, and my first reaction to it was one of aversion and fear, and I wouldn't accept it. Later, I began to come up with some reasons as to why I reacted the way I did, and now I wish I had reacted much differently although I didn't have much control over my reaction at the time. Remember that you can't always control your actions...and you shouldn't....but be mindful and aware of them; you may learn much about yourself and/or your relationship with your T, and/or therapy, during this time.
Take care of yourself....I hope these weeks are swift and peaceful.
SV
poster:shrinking violet
thread:474928
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20050315/msgs/475142.html