Posted by JayMac on September 7, 2008, at 18:18:44
In reply to therapist crying, posted by ayla_auel on September 7, 2008, at 17:11:11
> I was wondering if anyone has ever experienced their therapist crying during a session? Is it normal? can you please tell me about it? thanks
Hi Ayla,
Welcome to Psycho Babble! I have experienced a former T (therapist) crying during the session. In fact, she cried 2 times in front of me. The first time was because I said something that touched her. The 2nd time was because our therapy had come to an end and we both cried saying goodbye. The first time I was confused, then she explained why she was crying, which I understood. The second time, I was surprised by her reaction. I was already bawling, but to see that I had an affect on her made it even harder to let go.Honestly, I think it depends on why your T cried. Where they crying because of their own personal reasons? Something you said that struck them? Did they cry to feel for you (instead of you crying were they crying)? I think the context of their tears is important. I understand it is completely ackward to have your T crying in front of you. At the same time, they are human, and it can be a relief to see them as such. Crying is normal, but within the context of the theraputic relationship, it is not to be expected that the therapist cry. I think most therapists would not want to feel vulnerable in front of a patient like that.
I think if I saw my current T cry, I might want to walk out the door. I need her to be strong so that I can feel safe to get my own stuff out. If she were crying because of something I said that touched her, I would probably end up crying too.
If you don't mind my asking, what was the situation? How did you feel? What do you feel now? Have you spoken with your T about it since?
Jay
poster:JayMac
thread:850826
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20080906/msgs/850841.html