Posted by peddidle on May 25, 2007, at 13:17:25
In reply to Does you T do stuff that messes with your head?, posted by Happyflower on May 25, 2007, at 7:14:15
> Is this why it is so easy to love our T's and not like them at the same time.
In a word: yes. It just occurred to me that this relationship (at least the one I have with my T, and the one I think you have with your's) is a lot like ones I have with my friends. Sometimes they do or say things that really annoy me, but I still love them anyway. When that strong underlying bond is there, it takes a h*ll of a lot to break it. You can argue with them, but you'll talk to them the next day, or even an hour later, and it will be like nothing ever happened.
I've never gotten into an argument, per se, with my T, but she has certainly tried to get me to argue with her. After taking psych this past semester, I know that the arguing is part of the cognitive therapy technique. I can't say I've noticed her looking away after saying something-- I usually only notice if she's looking at me when I peek back after not looking at her for a while, and if she's still looking at me, she cracks a smile.
She has certainly tried her share of bad jokes, though, too. We can joke around with each other because we have the same sense of humor, although I don't go after her as much. Some of the jokes make me a little mad at her. Once I walked in and she said, "so, I just got off the phone with your mom..." She told me she was joking right away, but she could see how terrified I was. She, of course, reassured me that she would never call my parents without my permission, etc. and I know she wouldn't. Then she asked me if I wanted to tackle her. I said no, but I kind of did. Several weeks ago, she said she wished she could just open me up and walk around inside my head (I hardly talk, and when she asks me what I'm thinking, my usual answer is "I don't know.") I told her she really doesn't want to do that, because she'd never find her way out. I've never seen her laugh harder. That actually kind of back-fired on me, though, because she said that I must have some understanding of how my mind works if I am able to make a joke like that.
So, my point is that the therapist/client relationship is certainly unique, but it shares many qualities with other relationships. So maybe some of his "games" as just one aspect of your special relationship. They can certainly annoy you and make you want to tackle him, but they're also another reason why you love him.
I'm sorry this got so long, but I hope it helped a little.
poster:peddidle
thread:759403
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20070525/msgs/759458.html