Posted by Augusta on December 6, 2001, at 17:31:19
In reply to Still in distress, posted by akc on December 6, 2001, at 15:12:43
Hi akc,
I have hesitated to reply as my thoughts might well be at odds with the truth. However, I will offer them, fwiw.
Does your therapist have a "name" for her (I think it's her, yes?) philosophy? I really am bothered by the apparent "you have to suffer" thesis unless it is coupled with some very likely and worthwhile result. (Also, what is her philosophy about meds and the role that they should play vis a vis the therapy?)
I don't know if this is true or helpful or applicable, but I will just tell you what I have learned myself -- that I do better, usually much better, when I don't attribute negative or destructive motives to myself. I do better when I assume that I am motivated by something logical and worthwhile.
(That does not mean, of course, that I have necessarily chosen the best means of reaching my inner goal -- it just means that my goal is worthwhile and entitled to dignity and respect.)
In your case, of not wanting to follow suggestions -- I don't know, maybe you are just mad, and justifiably so? Or maybe you feel that you are so controlled already by external circumstances and you have an overwhelming need to be "determined" any further by others. Or maybe their suggestions just aren't responsive to your actual needs.
So, those are my two thoughts. One is a question really -- what is your therapist's theory/philosopy? i.e., where does her current approach come from? And, assuming for a moment that you are motivated by understandable, possibly even laudable nees, what might those needs be? (seen from this very different perspective?)
I hope that makes some kind of sense. I hear and sense your pain, and wish I could do something to diminish it.
poster:Augusta
thread:15099
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20011130/msgs/15107.html