Posted by Amelia_in_StPaul on June 17, 2009, at 21:26:03
In reply to Re: Psychoanalysis question, posted by antigua3 on June 17, 2009, at 16:17:31
Well, and I know this is just my opinion, I think that it is legitimate for you to ask about your relationship if he is the one that believes in transference. If he lays the groundwork for working out transference in the therapeutic relationship, and then refuses to engage in discussion about transference ("the relationship"), then it's like he's planted irises but refuses to acknowledge they exist whenever you point out how well or not well they are doing. It's just invalidating. It's not like you are asking him about his wife or dogs or neighborhood (I'm assuming) when you ask about things going on between you and him. I don't, of course, know the history of your relationship or what else you've talked about in therapy. It just seems to me that the one thing a therapist should be is validating, even if s/he is challenging too (not challenging to talk to, but presents challenges for you to work through in a supportive way). Have you directly asked why he avoids such discussion?
> >He kind of sounds like an @ss (acknowledging that I know nothing about him and that there are probably real positives that I'm not seeing right now). Is your T comfortable with your pdoc practicing psychotherapy with you?
> >
> Oh, pray tell, what makes you think that? Seriously, I'm interested. Let me have it. I can take it.
> antigua
poster:Amelia_in_StPaul
thread:901559
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20090614/msgs/901630.html