Posted by Dinah on August 17, 2006, at 22:02:04
In reply to Re: Should I cut back? Continued, posted by Daisym on August 17, 2006, at 21:42:12
I *wish* they would think about what they say when we ask about cutting back. There are answers that would make it easier, and ones that make it harder, and somehow I think they've been taught the ones that make it harder. "You must be noncommittal. This will allow the client to do what is in his/her best interest. You must not show any preference one way or another." Bah. It comes across all wrong. I understand the theory. But I wish I could write some textbooks.
My textbook would say something more like "This is a time when it's particularly important to show caring. The client is feeling particularly vulnerable, and noncommittal can look like indifferent. This will cause the client to grab your knees and hang on for dear life, while also making the client want to run for his/her life. Keeping this in mind, show maximum warmth while encouraging the client to make the decision his/herself."
Sigh. Oh, the textbook I could write.
If you assume that your therapist is just clumsily attempting to be neutral, not indifferent, what do you think is the best thing for you right now? Or the best thing for you and your son, I suppose I could say.
poster:Dinah
thread:677319
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20060808/msgs/677597.html