Posted by Dinah on March 4, 2004, at 23:30:10
In reply to Re: Do you have a picture of your T?, posted by Apperceptor on March 4, 2004, at 20:55:14
> If you set foot in my office, I would drop you off my client list before you could develop a Polaroid.
Well, certainly all clients are not for all therapists, and vice versa. I think it is wise of you to limit your practice to those for whom you can feel genuine compassion and empathy. My therapist always says that not much productive long term therapy can take place without caring.
And doing so quickly is even better, before the client develops any sort of attachment to you. Are you interested in short term therapy only? If not, might I recommend Deborah Lott's book "In Session"? Most therapists who do long term therapy should have more than a passing aquaintance with how to sensitively and skillfully deal with client attachment I think. That attachment takes many forms, from sexual to romantic to maternal or paternal. I've heard that it's sad but true that many academic programs don't train more fully in this area. My therapist, who does a lot of supervision, says that supervision is the key to learning the realities of clinical practice. Perhaps you should seek out a supervisor who has extra strength in the areas where you feel uncomfortable?
Have you studied attachment theory, perchance? I think you might find it informative as to types of attachment, the need for transitional objects, etc.
I'd be fascinated to learn how many more years you have until you are licensed, and what type of clinical practice you are envisioning?
By the way, if it is the sexualized transference that causes you special discomfort might I recommend an APA video?
http://www.apa.org/videos/4310570.html?CFID=2493388&CFTOKEN=89863392
I wish all the best to you and your clients in your professional endeavors.
poster:Dinah
thread:319365
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040303/msgs/320437.html