Posted by Daisym on July 12, 2011, at 15:33:24
We've probably had this discussion here before but the above thread has me thinking about techniques and what works and what doesn't. I'm wondering what other experiences people have had with this kind of thing.
For me, anytime I feel I'm being "manipulated" my guard goes way up. I think it is a deep, old response, learned in childhood but never-the-less, it gets in the way. The need to please, to do it "right," to make the other person happy - these are all fall back responses for me, even in therapy. I trust my therapist but that trust has a tentative edge to it when I think he is "doing" something to me.
It seems to me that many of these brain changing techniques fail to take into account the chemical response to fear and anxiety. These chemicals get in the way of laying down new neural pathways. Time and time again the research shows that it is the relationship between the client/patient and therapist that creates the conditions and security for change. I can't help but think that therapists, like all humans, sometimes need to be doing Something, while being in the relationship, especially if talking is hard. Techniques won't work if there is no underlying relationship of support, respect and trust.
My two cents, for what it is worth.
poster:Daisym
thread:990825
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20110706/msgs/990825.html