"There is no magic in therapy. We meet. The patient talks. I listen and reflect what I see. Rinse and repeat."
I don't you think you give yourself enough credit as a therapist. What you are describing sounds more like a friend, at least that's how it is with my friends and me.
I'm truly enjoying these therapy posts - please do more!
Ah but there is a BIG difference between what I describe and what a friend does -- there is no expectation that the patient will listen to me talk about my life and there are no social rules binding the patient to polite topics. If she hates me, she can talk about that. If she wishes she could move in with me and be my child, she can talk about that. She can talk about her envy, resentments, anger, love -- al the feelings she has with and about me without concern that I will retaliate or expect reciprocity.
Young therapists try to do too much -- they want to feel like they are HELPFUL. One of the things we learn through experience is to do less and listen more. Having been at this for over 30 years now, I know I can't change anyone, except myself. I know also the power of listening and reflecting.
Commenting by HaloScan
