Posted by pegasus on December 11, 2009, at 13:40:46
In reply to T acts clinical, posted by deerock on December 10, 2009, at 18:50:33
I understand some of the replies here about why a T might want to insist on being so professional in those situations, but it always falls a bit flat with me. I've had several Ts and after a few sessions, they've always started referring to themselves with their first names with me. It would have annoyed the heck out of me to get a VM from one of them with them using their first and last name.
But I suppose it's all grist for the mill. Meaning maybe it would be productive to discuss why it bugs you so much. For example, for me it would bug me because it's would feel like they were placing themselves above me. Like they were saying, "I am Sue Smith, the important professional person who doesn't have a relationship with you." Maybe it would be useful to discuss with my T why I interpret it that way, and why it bothers me so much. Sounds like others might be bugged by the same behavior for slightly different reasons.
I suppose if the T has a very common first name, they might leave both names to make sure you don't get confused about who it is. But after a few sessions, I can't imagine not recognizing my Ts voice, of all people. Plus there's the context, which would usually be a give away, if by some miracle I didn't catch it from the voice and first name.
peg
poster:pegasus
thread:928778
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20091022/msgs/928863.html