Posted by backseatdriver on June 8, 2008, at 10:14:13
In reply to Letting myself be vulnerable, calling my therapist, posted by brassneck on June 8, 2008, at 9:01:47
My therapist was equally silent on the subject. I think he does this because he wants to keep the therapeutic "frame" a little bit uncertain, so that we will have to explore my feelings -- not those! not that! -- about 'the rules' in his office rather than having him lay down the law outright, which would allay my insecurity rather than dealing with it.
I would much prefer frankness, but I am not assertive enough to insist on it. This is a problem. My solution, for now, is to pretend to be free-and-easy about scheduling, calls and emails, just to see what happens.
My results have been mixed. On the bright side: He calls right back if I call him. Scheduling emails also get a prompt reply. He will readily call in a prescription for me if I need one right away.
However, emails that contain my reflections and feelings will be met with silence. He is likely to forget appointments if they are at weird times. He does not like to schedule sessions more than a week or two ahead of time. And he has some kind of odd trouble using the telephone when he needs to initiate a conversation (e.g., he has to cancel at the last minute).
I kind of like my new free-and-easy style, though. I suspect that if I were to be more assertive about stuff like this, he'd straighten himself out. But it is also a relief not to take him too seriously. I take things too seriously in general.
poster:backseatdriver
thread:833583
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20080524/msgs/833590.html