Posted by Dinah on April 22, 2008, at 9:06:36
In reply to Re: I think I am pretending in T.....(triggersposs » seldomseen, posted by rskontos on April 22, 2008, at 8:55:47
Do you address the sleepiness directly as it happens? My therapist tends towards sleepiness. I have some ideas why, and only some of them have to do with me. For example, he tends to be sleepier when I'm being more rational and less engaged emotionally. He denies that, but I think I can see some patterns over thirteen years! But for the most part it's because he tends not to take great care of himself, to work long hours and to be out of shape. Under those conditions, sitting in a comfortable chair in a warm office is likely to bring on sleepiness even in me.
I always address it in the moment. Instead of feeling hurt or taking it personally, I'll say "It seems that you're a bit sleepy. Would you like to stand up? Or stretch? Am I being particularly boring at the moment?"
I know it's not my responsibility to wake him up, but from a pragmatic viewpoint I can either say nothing and be upset and hurt, or I can bring the pink elephant out into the open and address it.
poster:Dinah
thread:824636
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20080405/msgs/824755.html