Posted by Dinah on November 18, 2008, at 22:13:18
In reply to Need some input on decision to quit, posted by JoniS on November 18, 2008, at 21:21:55
Is it possible to separate all the issues?
It's entirely possible that after all these years your therapist has run out of ways to challenge you, and therapy might be running out of steam. I sort of feel that way at times.
I also know that when a therapist has personal impairments, he may not be at his best. He might be less than helpful. He may even be the opposite of helpful.
Both totally sensible reasons to cut back or terminate, but maybe with a planned termination phase?
Even for me it hurts that my therapist has never and will never turn to me as part of his support system. That as much as I love him dearly, I can't really be there for him. That I'll never mean as much to him as he means to me. And I don't even really want more from him than therapy. I can only imagine how hard it would be if I did want more.
But for the record, I don't think you're just a client on his list. You're Joni. You've seen him for five and a half years. He cares about you, and you almost certainly mean something to him on a personal level.
I guess there's a point in relationships where the pain outweighs the benefits. You think you've reached that point?
poster:Dinah
thread:863908
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20081104/msgs/863912.html