Posted by Dinah on September 1, 2013, at 22:51:21
In reply to Ideal Therapist, posted by alexandra_k on August 31, 2013, at 21:52:00
I know more about "good enough" therapists. And that really is good enough. My therapist isn't the ideal, I know. But the other day I was tearing up over losing a long time veterinarian. And my therapist smiled ever so understandingly at me and said softly "Veterinarians aren't like washing machines, are they?" and it was just the right thing to say - to me. Because to me it was really a very big deal, and a very real loss.
I think the hallmark of a good enough therapist is to be flexible, and open to self examination. They should be willing to stretch out of their comfort zone.
I suppose an ideal therapist would consistently be present in session. They would have firm boundaries without appearing to be uncaring. They would be skilled at active listening, judicious in interpretations, carefully nuanced in humor, while managing to appear entirely natural and transparent. They combine wisdom, compassion, and genuine-ness.
I see these paragons in the occasional movie or TV series. I don't think I'd much care for them in person. So maybe I think an ideal therapist would have to have the occasional breakthrough of humanity and flaws.
poster:Dinah
thread:1049989
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20130807/msgs/1050019.html