![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 39. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by glamorama on February 3, 2008, at 13:01:15
Just saw the first week of this HBO show called In Treatment. The premise of the show is to focus on an entire (fictional) session in therapy. The first episode had a girl who revealed she had been dealing with feelings for her therapist for the past year.
I don't want to ruin anything for people who haven't seen this, but thought it was very interesting, especially Friday's episode where the therapist (played by Gabriel Byrne) seeks counseling and briefly discusses the problem. I could see myself in the patient a lot, as I've been dealing with this problem for the last 4 years, although we've come a long way.
Posted by MissK on February 3, 2008, at 13:04:04
In reply to Anyone seen InTreatment? (transference issues), posted by glamorama on February 3, 2008, at 13:01:15
Haven't seen it. Seen advertisements for it though. I don't get HBO, but it looks like it is a good drama. Of course, doing therapy makes it all the more interesting.
Posted by Daisym on February 3, 2008, at 13:23:05
In reply to Re: Anyone seen InTreatment? (transference issues) » glamorama, posted by MissK on February 3, 2008, at 13:04:04
You can watch it on the web if you don't get HBO.
I think it is going to stir up a lot of things for a lot of people - but so far I think it is doing a good job of showing what happens during a session. I'm not sure I think he handled Laura's disclosures very well - he kind of cut her off and ended the session. I like his therapist a lot - she's on him but obviously there are things we don't know yet.
I think the most interesting client, for me, is the pilot. I'm betting on PTSD but he's already had a huge crisis and still refuses to face it. I'll be curious to see what brings him back.
And the big question - do you thing the gymnast is having an affair with her coach? The bets among my friends are running 50/50.
I think this will be a good show for us to follow here and see if we think it is "real" or not. And what we would have done or wanted done. It only lasts 5 weeks - not a long time to follow this.
Posted by MissK on February 3, 2008, at 15:14:46
In reply to In Treatment (caution - spoiler), posted by Daisym on February 3, 2008, at 13:23:05
>You can watch it on the web if you don't get HBO.
Well, I might check that out, Daisym. Thanks.
>and see if we think it is "real" or not
Yes, that is what I would be doing if watching it, seeing how close it comes to the real experience. Because it's TV though, one has to expect a bit more regular drama than what probably normally occurs in most sessions.
Posted by rskontos on February 3, 2008, at 15:15:27
In reply to In Treatment (caution - spoiler), posted by Daisym on February 3, 2008, at 13:23:05
DAisym, yes I bet they are having an affair. My p-doc discussed this show. I told him about it...I wasn't sure about it when I say the first one...I have watched them all. I like it I think. I wanted to smack the husband of the couple. He reminds me of my therapist. The questions....oh the questions..
I like his therapist too. I thought from the sound of things they might have had some transference issues....rsk
Posted by Dinah on February 3, 2008, at 15:32:24
In reply to Anyone seen InTreatment? (transference issues), posted by glamorama on February 3, 2008, at 13:01:15
I've tivo'd all week, tho I've only seen two I think. So far I'm not particularly liking the therapist. His style of therapy seems so serious and intense. He seems to be developing a lot of good insight, but I think he'd make me nervous.
My favorite TV therapist at the moment is Monk's Dr Kroger. His style is remarkably similar to my therapist's. In the office at least. My therapist would never dream of making house calls.He has the same way of making points in a conversational low key style. My therapist has never seen the show and it's driving me nuts because I really want to refer to the show but there's no point if I have to explain the whole thing each time. We do manage to talk in X Files and Star Trek sometimes.
Posted by rskontos on February 3, 2008, at 17:00:48
In reply to Re: Anyone seen InTreatment? (transference issues), posted by Dinah on February 3, 2008, at 15:32:24
Dinah, I guess it would make you nervous if the therapist was different from your own. This one's style is very much like mine. But then I am serious, I have a different identity (alter) whatever I still am not comfortable with this, that is much less serious, but I am more like him. My therapist I think watched it just because I brought it up. I get uncomfortable with some of the show. The one about the gymnast triggered me for some reason. The previews it was. He says to her when you walked in I thought to myself someone broke the rules with you. Do you guys think a therapist can see that?
rsk
Posted by seldomseen on February 3, 2008, at 17:13:52
In reply to Re: Anyone seen InTreatment? (transference issues) » Dinah, posted by rskontos on February 3, 2008, at 17:00:48
just a warning.
Seldom.
Posted by Daisym on February 3, 2008, at 17:48:04
In reply to I got strongly triggered by these shows., posted by seldomseen on February 3, 2008, at 17:13:52
I think some people wear their hurt outside and I think therapists are trained to make connections and see certain things. But in my experience, at least, they don't usually say it directly, they ask questions and see what comes up. Because lots of things look the same as other things. Remember the false-memory brew-ha-ha, etc.
But what he said - someone broke the rules - could mean so many things. It is pretty provocative though.
Paul (the therapist) is more brooding than mine - but he asks similiar questions. And I can't imagine my therapist losing his temper like that - although I've backed him in a corner and forced something hurtful from him before. In discussing it at the time, he admitted that his first thought was "cr*p - I've ruined things. She's gonna run." I'm dying to ask if he has discussed me in supervision but it terrifies me to think what he might say and might be told. I suspect this will be the most triggering part of this show for me.
Posted by Dinah on February 3, 2008, at 18:07:53
In reply to Re: I got strongly triggered by these shows., posted by Daisym on February 3, 2008, at 17:48:04
That last therapy show about the woman, State of Mind I think?, sort of made me worried in the scenes where she'd get up and yell at her clients in her mind, then they'd show the reality of her bahaving in a therapist-like way.
I bugged my therapist for a few weeks about whether he got up and yelled at me in his mind, until he finally told me that if he got up and yelled at me in his mind, I'd be able to see him do it. Which is likely true...
Posted by rskontos on February 3, 2008, at 18:36:58
In reply to Re: I got strongly triggered by these shows. » Daisym, posted by Dinah on February 3, 2008, at 18:07:53
I must say when Paul talked about how he was upset with his patients and how he was thinking about how he thought if they could only see what was in his mind they would run or something to that effect, I did start thinking about if my T does this. Then I reminded myself I have already thought about that. I confess I often think about how what I say to him comes across. Most of my emails to my therapist is about how I think I came across, as well as if he believe me. Or our discussions on what dissociation is like and I hate those discussions. I get so upset with him For me I have been dissociation during therapy and he was not aware. So he was interacting with one of my alters and he did not know it because they don't want him to know yet--I guess I don't know. And I want him to know he did not know. He kept asking me about if they had did names and I wanted to say well you had the chance to ask them why didnt you, it is not like I am there always. So I often wonder what he thinks and sometimes I get mad about it. I then tell myself I yell at him in my mind so I guess it ok it he yells at me.....my attempt at being fair I guess. I don't know...this is why I am having issues with theray in general as it hard to trust and hard to not trust...I am not sure what I thought this show would do for me...but then I still can't stop watching it either...
For me , I hate the feeling of rambling part and they did show Paul doing that with his therapist....
rsk
Posted by Daisym on February 3, 2008, at 21:24:48
In reply to Re: I got strongly triggered by these shows. » Daisym, posted by Dinah on February 3, 2008, at 18:07:53
My therapist said this too. In fact, I'm now brave enough to say, "what?" when he gets a look or shifts in his chair. And there have been a few times when I've walked in and said, "wow - whatever went on in here before me was heavy" - and he never tells me I'm wrong. Once I accused him of "leaving" the session half way through (I brought it up the next time) and he admitted that he had been starving and just couldn't help it. Made me want to change my time though. :)
Posted by Daisym on February 3, 2008, at 21:27:47
In reply to Re: I got strongly triggered by these shows., posted by rskontos on February 3, 2008, at 18:36:58
I try to remember that no one loves their job all the time. I love the kids I work with, but some days are "those" days - they all seem to tantrum or their parents yell at me or everyone has a cold and there is snot everywhere -- those are the days I'm happy when they go home. But I still love them. And I understand that they can't help it.
I try to remember this. And then I try not to make myself be as perfect as possible because of it.
Posted by Dinah on February 3, 2008, at 23:50:10
In reply to Re: I got strongly triggered by these shows., posted by Daisym on February 3, 2008, at 17:48:04
I've watched the entire week now, and I have to say that my therapist isn't anything at all like this one. And I'm not at all like any of these clients.
I'm feeling rather shallow. I just don't *do* all that emotion. And I'd feel extraordinarily uncomfortable if my therapist exuded half as much as much as this one does. I'd be constantly saying "What? What is it already? Quit shouting emotions at me!" with my hands over my ears and my eyes shut. I wouldn't last a week.
I wouldn't quite say that this therapist doesn't stay in his chair, but I'd say it feels like he just barely forces himself to stay in his chair. (Which is my way of saying someone's personal energy is invading my personal space.)
My therapist stays firmly in his chair. At most he sends out encouraging tendrils to engage me when I drift away.
(Once my therapist was out of town at a seminar or something, and when he came back he said that one of the speakers there reminded him of me because he knew I'd feel uncomfortable around her. She didn't stay in her chair.)
Posted by rskontos on February 4, 2008, at 21:52:29
In reply to Re: I got strongly triggered by these shows., posted by Dinah on February 3, 2008, at 23:50:10
Oh mine doesn't have all these emotions either. He is too seasoned for that. I think he is close to retirement too. I have the emotions for both of us..lol In fact, with him I have more than ever. But then again, I went because I was losing my emotions and i wanted therapy to help me recover them and boy did it. Be careful of what you wish for is certainly true in my case. I am, in therapy, a bundle of emotions. eventually at home, i gain control. And the cycle begins again in therapy.
After watching tonight's second show with Laura, the one that proclaimed her love for him, I am mixed on his mind about her. At first I thought he was into her, but tonight he shut the door I thought in his mind. I think he is doing the barely shutting the door on his emotions to make the show more interesting. Because lets face it, if he had all his ducks in a row, it might be a little less provoking. And i guess that makes a better show.
rsk
Posted by Daisym on February 4, 2008, at 22:24:37
In reply to Re: I got strongly triggered by these shows., posted by rskontos on February 4, 2008, at 21:52:29
I agree that the drama of a TV show was in play tonight. Because there were several times when I wanted to ask - whose in therapy here?
However, I loved the scene about the bathroom. She had him dead-to-rights on that one. It was about seeing or being seen by the wife. I was thinking about this. My therapist's office is right next door to his wife's and she is in her office 1x a week when I'm there. I HATE it. I feel exposed and we've talked a lot about what comes up for me. I can't imagine doing therapy in his house with his life just beyond the walls. Too intimate for me. I decided tonight that I'd find Paul's office scary. Too dark and secluded downstairs, away from the world. I like being up in the trees.
Has anyone talked to their therapist about the show? Mine said today that he has seen is once - but he didn't see Laura and he didn't watch Friday. When I told him about the "if my patients could see what I was thinking" comment he said, "I don't think you should watch this. We already have a hard enough time with you trying to be perfect." No chance, buddy. But I bet we'll have great conversations about this.
Posted by Dinah on February 5, 2008, at 0:07:55
In reply to Re: I got strongly triggered by these shows., posted by Daisym on February 4, 2008, at 22:24:37
What struck me was that yes, he did seem attracted, and yes he did seem to like the idea that she found him attractive. But it really had nothing whatsoever to do with her. It had to do with his wife, and how he felt about himself. He doesn't even seem to like this client overly much. When she was talking about her fiance's description of his former girlfriend, you could see the therapist thinking that this one was pretty much the same.
Maybe it's me, but I wouldn't feel terribly flattered by that.
On the other hand, it looks like he's going to try to ditch her next week, and that makes me feel a bit angry. Even if he feels like his countertransference is too much for him to handle, the previews make it sound like he's twisting it around a lot.
And Daisy, I agree with you. She was making a lot more dead on interpretations of him than vice versa. :(
Posted by Dinah on February 5, 2008, at 0:09:55
In reply to Re: I got strongly triggered by these shows., posted by Dinah on February 5, 2008, at 0:07:55
Also, doesn't he have an extremely expressive face for a therapist? Makes for good TV perhaps, but only for good therapy if he can make his face say what he *wants* it to say.
Posted by Dinah on February 5, 2008, at 0:20:36
In reply to Re: I got strongly triggered by these shows., posted by Daisym on February 4, 2008, at 22:24:37
Probably projection on my part, but I got the feeling that the bathroom thing wasn't just about the wife seeing or being seen. And a lot about boundaries. He didn't want his patients, and particularly not this patient, in the area where he lives. He wanted her to stay in his office, in his professional area.
But that's a pet issue of mine, and that may be why I'm reading it that way. My therapist and I were both approaching the elevator at the same time a couple of sessions ago, and based on previous experiences, we didn't acknowledge each other beyond a wry smile. My weighing riding in an elevator with him with the silliness of refusing to ride in an elevator with him was probably written clearly on my face.
Posted by rskontos on February 5, 2008, at 9:41:21
In reply to Re: I got strongly triggered by these shows., posted by Dinah on February 5, 2008, at 0:20:36
I think that for this therapist Paul, he must show how he is feeling due to show aspect yet as I am saying this my own therapist has his puzzled look that drives me crazy and sometimes I think he gets sleepy too. So IRL they show stuff they maybe shouldn't either. Or we are just smart therapee's:)
Maybe the bathroom was both: he did not want her to see his wife possible and to keep the boundaries straight so he could keep her a possible intrusion out of his life. He may be tempted due to the nature of the frustrations with his wife. Since he shared with his therapist of old, since I forgot her name, his wife's unexplained absences, and their own lack of sex, this patient may be a temptation so hence he needs to especially keep her separate. And she felt that. Just my take.
rsk
Posted by rskontos on February 5, 2008, at 9:42:21
In reply to Re: I got strongly triggered by these shows., posted by rskontos on February 5, 2008, at 9:41:21
Oh yeah, mine has watched it. I don't know how many more episodes he has watched. He did watch the pilot one.
rsk
Posted by sassyfrancesca on February 5, 2008, at 10:38:18
In reply to Re: I got strongly triggered by these shows., posted by rskontos on February 4, 2008, at 21:52:29
I hadn't heard of that show. I have been in love with my t for 5 years.......he has allowed me to "see" him; we have had many discussions about our feelings; I could write a book.
We are both going to the American Counseling Association Convention in Hawaii.......oh, the fantasies, LOL, LOL
Smiles, Francesca
P.S. How do you watch that show on the internet? technically challenged!
Posted by rskontos on February 5, 2008, at 13:29:05
In reply to Re: I got strongly triggered by these shows., posted by sassyfrancesca on February 5, 2008, at 10:38:18
Sassyfrancesca, just go the hbo website. I think it is hbo.com and follow the links. It is very easy. When i got to the hbo main site, the link is in very big box, click and you are there. The shows are only 30 minutes long...
rsk
Posted by RealMe on February 6, 2008, at 10:09:04
In reply to Anyone seen InTreatment? (transference issues), posted by glamorama on February 3, 2008, at 13:01:15
Just recently I watch the pilot and the second episode. It was okay, but it sure wasn't like my therapy. I would not be able to get that comfy.
RealMe
Posted by Daisym on February 6, 2008, at 11:13:55
In reply to Re: Anyone seen InTreatment? (transference issues) » glamorama, posted by RealMe on February 6, 2008, at 10:09:04
Really? What does that mean? You don't sit on the couch and pull your feet up? (I do) OR is it the level of confrontation? I could NeVER do that. In fact, I want to ask today if that is more common than I think. I don't treat anyone like that though, so maybe it is.
I think I'd like to be more able to just say what I'm thinking but that feels so impolite and not relevent mostly.
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Psychology | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.