Posted by HannahW on September 17, 2003, at 11:31:02
In reply to Re: Thank you!My next session's going to be a big one! » HannahW, posted by Pfinstegg on September 17, 2003, at 9:18:08
> I hope it won't be upsetting to you if I say this, but I have been getting the impression that YOU may have more insight into the complexities of this process- as it relates to you and her- than she does. This might not be true of her and another client, and I';m not sure if it's true of the two of you, either; the suspicion that it might be does come to my mind, though.
That's a very interesting observation, and it doesn't upset me at all. It lends some credibility to the voice in the back of my mind that wonders if she really knows what she's doing. What has brought you to suspect that she may be lacking insight?
> I was able to interview psychoanalytically-trained therapists, and was amazed at the greater depth of knowledge and understanding of the interpersonal aspects of therapy which they have.
I wonder what training psychiatrists have in therapy. Good fodder for another post.
>
> You have tremendous understanding and sophistication about what's going on- you could say a beautifully functioning left hemisphere! But the parts of you which are causing you pain and distress are not those high-functioning parts, and you want to be sure you have a therapist who is highly trained in helping you deal with those parts.I'm *totally* flattered, thank you. I'm amazed at your ability to pick up that I intellectualize everything, but that it's the emotional part of me that needs work. I'm torn about what to wish for from my therapist. Part of me longs for empathy and warmth. But I'm certain if I got that from her I would fall hopelessly in love and be miserable. So another part of me is glad she's more clinical. She's not a cold fish, and I feel pretty comfortable with her, just not warm and fuzzy. She has good insights and helps me make connections where I didn't see them before, so I think we can get some good work done. Yet I wonder if this fit is good enough, if I wish for warmth that she doesn't project, and if she's not an expert in handling transference (I don't know that she's not, but I also don't know that she is). I think I'll talk to her about it.
Thanks for your response. If you wouldn't mind telling me about your suspicions about my therapist, I'd love to hear about them.
poster:HannahW
thread:259801
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20030905/msgs/261000.html