Posted by raisinb on October 8, 2007, at 14:07:18
In reply to Re: another bad termination » pegasus, posted by pegasus on October 8, 2007, at 10:39:07
Wow. What a terrible bind to be in.
Without knowing much about the situation, I can say that if I were the client in that situation, I would *much* rather be terminated than be shut down or subtly rejected in sessions--by words, actions, or all those nonverbal communications that are usually more important than what is actually said.
If the T feels such strong anger and/or repulsion, then the T should try and manage it--but if that can't be done (and it sounds like this T has been trying, but failing), then the client can't help but feel that anger--and how can that be helpful? How can the client learn that his/her most destructive or "icky" feelings can be acceptable after all? How can the client learn to be fully honest? To trust that others can handle her?
Termination after 2 years is going to be damaging, but months or years of more difficulty because of the T's feelings getting in the way of the process might be worse. Not being able to talk about one's fantasties in psychodynamic therapy is like not doing homework in CBT--like taking the meat out of the sandwich, you know?
As sad as it's going to be, I think the T is going in the right direction. Ultimately only the T knows what's manageable for him/her, and s/he should act on that knowledge.
poster:raisinb
thread:787720
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20070929/msgs/787886.html