Posted by Karen_kay on January 30, 2004, at 13:07:17
In reply to Re: therapists/pdocs and honest opinions..., posted by Dinah on January 30, 2004, at 11:15:54
I know that for me personally hearing my therapist say I'm beautiful is wonderful. But, there was a time when I focused on it entirely too much. I don't see how "hearing it straight" would benefit, as everyone has a different opinion on beauty. I hardly doubt there are any unattractive people here, regardless of what they "look" like. (And yes, I know I've said some mean things about my therapist's wife...I don't like her! But, she's not nearly as unatractive as I said she was. Just not who I'd like him to be married to either. I'll see if I can fix that mess :) And I'm not suggesting me.) I think a lot can be said for "pumping" up someone's self-esteem, but at the same time it can also be taken the wrong way, or that person can have certain issues where you wouldn't want to focus on any sort of physical beauty, ect.
But, I do know that my therapist has helped my self esteem by saying I'm beautiful. And if I question it, all I have to do is think, "Well, if a man like my therapist thinks I'm beautiful, then I must be." However, if he thought I were ugly and told me straight out that I was unatractive, or tried to give me tips on how to improve my appearance, I would be completely heartbroken. I would not only doubt my self esteem, but also every thing I did. I would constantly second guess myself. Dinah, I just don't see how that's beneficial to you. He may have an opinion on the matter (which I disagree with), but you know what they say about opinions, everyone has them.... He should have practiced a bit of self restraint.
poster:Karen_kay
thread:307260
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040123/msgs/307319.html