![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 67 to 91 of 91. Go back in thread:
Posted by Fallen4MyT on April 30, 2004, at 18:39:21
In reply to the eyes have it, posted by shadows721 on April 30, 2004, at 17:22:52
Wow I do not think you need to make remarks on some of our feelings and all..You have a right to disagree and I FOR one respect to agree to disagree but I find this as hurtful not to disagreement but to the personal attacks those are not necessary
> Well, I was starting to believe based on the lack of response that we should just pass out condoms at our next therapy session. Rules or no rules. Who needs rules anyway right? If you are attracted and they are too, just go right at it. If I feel like it and they do too, so be it. I am being sarcastic here.
>
> The issue being discussed is indeed infact "involvement with t". That's what I thought this discussion was about. Did it hit some nerves? Yep, it did. As well it should. This is a very serious issue. This can be a very damaging issue.
>
> Getting off the topic now. As far, as my comment about the t being a paid listener. I don't think that's depressing at all. It's very validating to be listened to. They should be doing a lot of listening. And, yes, when you listen, you think. I don't know about you, but when I listen, I think. <<Gees, People!!!>> If they are doing all the talking constantly for an hour, what are you getting out of that. T is for you and not the t.
>
> Okay. Look out. The dictionary was pulled out for word intimacy. Is it that we really don't know what itimacy is? The word was taken out of it's original context to prove a point that the word intimate does not have a sexual overtone to it. All Done, look Webster states... very close association, CONTACT, familiarity, of a VERY personal, or PRIVATE NATURE. What does it mean when someone says, "We were intimate last night." hmmm OH, NOW, GIVE ME A BREAK! RLOL Words can be manipulated to be what you want them to be. Now, back to my point..Some folks feel when they share private details of themselves, that the t and them are intimate. Nope. That's all made up in one's mind. Now, questions...Are you intimate with your t Or are you discussing intimate things with the t? That's very different. Isn't it? Does it change the rules? Nope.
>
> Eating ice cream for breakfast is breaking your own rules Crushed. A t having sex with a client is breaking the law and is very damaging emotionally for a client in the long run. If my t tried to have sex with me, I would call it attempted rape, because it would not be mutual.
>
> Crushed What the ?...Enron?... Oh, I am not even going on that one. . <shadows shaking their head>
>
>
>
>
Posted by Fallen4MyT on April 30, 2004, at 18:42:34
In reply to Re: Levels of intimacy and confusion » shadows721, posted by Dinah on April 30, 2004, at 18:33:26
Dinah a lot of T's care beyond the CHECK...My T has seen me often UNPAID...And a friend of mine her T knew she was broke near XMAS and gave her her check back...they can care and many do I bet yours truly likes and cares about you as a person..who wouldn't ?
Posted by Fallen4MyT on April 30, 2004, at 18:46:13
In reply to Re: Let's get the denial out in the open, posted by joslynn on April 30, 2004, at 16:40:52
I do not totally disagree with you. I do here and there but you have some valid points and some I do not agree with
> My thoughts...I feel like even if there is no actual sex, but the T somehow dangles the promise of sex at a later date after terrmination or flirts seductively, or somehow alludes to availability and interest in that way, it is still not right.
>
> I think therapy should serve as a bridge to healthy relationships outside of therapy, not be THE relationship. I don't think we should get stuck on the bridge. And just for the record, I have often in the past yearned to get stuck on that bridge!
>
> Especially if the T is married, I think it is doubly wrong for him or her to come across as seductive, because then it's going against two sets of boundaries: the boundaries of the profession and the vows of marriage
>
> I do recall of someone posting about an ex-pdoc having an affairs with patient(s)... and now that doc needs to have a nurse in the room at all times. So, that story didn't have a happy ending.
>
> I guess my concern is that whenever boundries have been crossed by Ts etc with the people on the board, it has resulted in things like SI, suicide attempts and depression, every time. We go to Ts to heal from those things, not to have more reasons to want to do those things.
>
> I am not saying this because I want to hurt someone on here, but because others have gotten hurt by their Ts.
Posted by noa on April 30, 2004, at 19:30:05
In reply to Re: the rules » noa, posted by Fallen4MyT on April 29, 2004, at 21:41:48
I know you will disagree with me on this.
I know it does happen, but I feel that the fact that it happens sometimes doesn't make it right, even if the professional feels it is about love and not exploitation. And the codes all seem to be saying that the burden of proof is on the professional that there is no potential for harm and that the exception is ok because the circumstances are extraordinary.
Sorry. I guess we will continue to disagree on this.
Posted by noa on April 30, 2004, at 19:36:26
In reply to Re: the rules » Fallen4MyT, posted by crushedout on April 29, 2004, at 21:55:51
Crushed--whether or not your wish for a personal relationship will come true, I hope you can appreciate what IS wonderful about what you DO have in your therapy relationship.
It is ok, more than ok, to want it to happen--that is very normal and natural and all of us can relate!!!
And whether or not your T reciprocates with a personal relatinship, that doesn't mean there isn't real caring and love going on. It is just that ethically the T is obligated to keep it within the boundaries of the therapy relationship in order to put your needs above his own.
I know it can be frustrating. But having a boundary like this doesn't mean that a T can't feel love for a client--it just can't be acted on in the way you want. But wanting it is really fine.
Posted by noa on April 30, 2004, at 19:49:34
In reply to This is why they made the rules, posted by shadows721 on April 30, 2004, at 12:19:54
I think there are different types of intimacy. There are aspects of therapy that can be very intimate, but of course thearpy is such a unique relationship that the intimacy is like no other.
But I agree that acting on sexual feelings in therapy puts that special intimacy totally at risk. And that because therapy is so unique, entering into another kind of relatinship after therapy is not good because of the power imbalance that naturally exists in therapy, no matter how 'down to earth' and non-hierarchical the therapist is. Therapists must recognize the power imbalance even if it seems a subtle one. It is there.
I think it is possible for there to be real feelings of love and caring. But the therapist has to be very very careful with these and maintain the professional boundaries.
Therapy is the wierdest relationship! That is why these boundary issues are so difficult for so many people. Therapy isn't THIS but it isn't THAT either. It's professional but very personal but can only be helpful if the personal aspects of it are kept within certain boundaries, etc. etc. It is just so different from anything else!
My first therapist, whom I saw for a long time and was very helpful (termination was due to my moving to another area) once told me that he felt his job was to "stay out of the way" and explained that what he meant was that he needed to steer clear of relating to me in the ways that people in my life had related to me. And of course, this can only be done if therapeutic boundaries are kept.
Posted by Fallen4MyT on April 30, 2004, at 22:03:31
In reply to Re: the rules » Fallen4MyT, posted by noa on April 30, 2004, at 19:30:05
Noa, I have absolutely NO issue with you or your post and respect your view...yes we disagree but thats ok.
> I know you will disagree with me on this.
>
> I know it does happen, but I feel that the fact that it happens sometimes doesn't make it right, even if the professional feels it is about love and not exploitation. And the codes all seem to be saying that the burden of proof is on the professional that there is no potential for harm and that the exception is ok because the circumstances are extraordinary.
>
> Sorry. I guess we will continue to disagree on this.
Posted by shadows721 on May 1, 2004, at 0:02:55
In reply to Re: the rules » noa, posted by Fallen4MyT on April 30, 2004, at 22:03:31
There were no personal attacks on you and actually I didn't see any on me either. Yes, we disagree on this topic. I don't take that personally at all. This is actually a discussion that is getting wonderful feedback from folks and getting them to think about therapy and their issue. That's a great thing.
I do have strong believes this issue. I think the topic is a good one. We all need to deeply examine our boundaries inside and outside of therapy. I have gotten a lot out of this discussion. Even if you don't agree, you may have seen the issue from someone else's eyes.
As a sexual abuse survivor, I am very vunerable to this stuff. Therefore, I have to have high boundaries to protect myself. For example, how can you really tell if someone is coming on to you? When you have been taught to not trust your instincts, it's hard to tell. Also, I have to put things in a child's perspective for myself. During my whole childhood I was brutally sexually abused, therefore, it is really a child that is in therapy. A therapist that would cross the line would also cross the line of the child. That's how I see myself in therapy. So, as far as a t and I being involved, no way and no how. They could look like a greek godlike image and talk so sweet that I would be hypnotized. That's not what I paid for and that's not what I am there for. That would be very traumatizing to the child that still is alive and scared in my mind. To put it more bluntly, I would be totally ticked off. A t was looking at me sexually as I was telling them about trauma. That's wicked. I was paying them to listen and not to have a fantasy.
So, now, you can see where and why I stand on this.
Posted by shadows721 on May 1, 2004, at 0:12:07
In reply to Re: Levels of intimacy and confusion » shadows721, posted by Dinah on April 30, 2004, at 18:33:26
"Please don't rob me of my remaining illusions. The consequences are too dire."
No, I am not going to rob you of any illusions. LOL
Posted by shadows721 on May 1, 2004, at 0:25:32
In reply to Re: This is why they made the rules » shadows721, posted by noa on April 30, 2004, at 19:49:34
I totally agree Noa. It's a very unusual relationship, because it is very one sided. As well it should be. I have had four therapist total. Each one was totally different. Even though, I had to get rid of the 1st three. (One cried every session, one was pointing at words the whole session, and another flipped out after having a child.) I still feel like I learn from them. As my current long term t stated, "Some of the sickest people are drawn to work in psychiatry." Clients have to be careful too. Whew!
Posted by All Done on May 1, 2004, at 0:28:32
In reply to the eyes have it, posted by shadows721 on April 30, 2004, at 17:22:52
> Okay. Look out. The dictionary was pulled out for word intimacy. Is it that we really don't know what itimacy is? The word was taken out of it's original context to prove a point that the word intimate does not have a sexual overtone to it. All Done, look Webster states... very close association, CONTACT, familiarity, of a VERY personal, or PRIVATE NATURE. What does it mean when someone says, "We were intimate last night." hmmm OH, NOW, GIVE ME A BREAK! RLOL Words can be manipulated to be what you want them to be. Now, back to my point..Some folks feel when they share private details of themselves, that the t and them are intimate. Nope. That's all made up in one's mind. Now, questions...Are you intimate with your t Or are you discussing intimate things with the t? That's very different. Isn't it? Does it change the rules? Nope.
Shadows,
Try as I might, I can't seem to put together an adequate response to this. I apologize if I took the word out of context.
Consider me jumping out as quickly as I jumped in...
All Done
Posted by shadows721 on May 1, 2004, at 0:50:07
In reply to Re: the eyes have it » shadows721, posted by All Done on May 1, 2004, at 0:28:32
I think you brought up a very valid point. You got me thinking about my relationships and what levels of intimacy they had. Thanks for sharing. I am glad you jumped in. Jump in any time. :>
Posted by Fallen4MyT on May 1, 2004, at 0:59:20
In reply to To: Fallen4myT more info about the shadows, posted by shadows721 on May 1, 2004, at 0:02:55
Shadows you do not know enough about me....many of my posts are a ways back and in different T subjects ..I too, to fill you in Readers Digest version :) am a abuse (child) and adult rape survivor and I *see* your points.I have said that to you and to others in the past and what may be good for some isnt good for others. I never..NEVER said when in therapy in a serious way to have sex with your T **while in therapy* with them and see them as a T and have sex ..
I do however take a different stance and that is I DO see where..and I cited examples in this thread and others where it IS OK to after the 2 years have any relationship TWO adults in agreement can and wish to take that would of course ban IF it hurt ANY of the parties involved. I DO know of cases where the marriages with T client were fine and sucessful....
I know stats say 50% of all marriages end in divorce and someone said T marriages to clients end after 2 years...but that is in what study? By whom> How many T's marriages to clients over how many YEARS were studied..what age groups what etc...Stats can be slanted by whomever does the study as in drug companies who do 6 week studies on say 1000 people and say the drug has a 1% rate of this bad side effect or that..I book or study does not make it so...I do not always fit the stats..I agree we disagree and that to me is OK really I am in the minority on this site on this issue BUT NOT ALONE. But it is still my stand for ME and I know IF/WHEN/NOW MAYBE if I was with my T it would NOT damage me..YES I agree there are many it could and does..for me no I am well aware of transferance and I am NOT as you posted in DENIAL thats is where I feel attacked that post. In my case and some others have found we arent as vunerable as some of the people that get hurt in these situations. Discussion is good and talking about our feelings but debate is ify when it comes to a civil thing I can and do feel attacked and all when I feel folowed by a poster who keeps insisting and restating the same disageement...We could go for a million posts each and you know, we will not agree on this. You and I that is. I wish you well :)> There were no personal attacks on you and actually I didn't see any on me either. Yes, we disagree on this topic. I don't take that personally at all. This is actually a discussion that is getting wonderful feedback from folks and getting them to think about therapy and their issue. That's a great thing.
>
> I do have strong believes this issue. I think the topic is a good one. We all need to deeply examine our boundaries inside and outside of therapy. I have gotten a lot out of this discussion. Even if you don't agree, you may have seen the issue from someone else's eyes.
>
> As a sexual abuse survivor, I am very vunerable to this stuff. Therefore, I have to have high boundaries to protect myself. For example, how can you really tell if someone is coming on to you? When you have been taught to not trust your instincts, it's hard to tell. Also, I have to put things in a child's perspective for myself. During my whole childhood I was brutally sexually abused, therefore, it is really a child that is in therapy. A therapist that would cross the line would also cross the line of the child. That's how I see myself in therapy. So, as far as a t and I being involved, no way and no how. They could look like a greek godlike image and talk so sweet that I would be hypnotized. That's not what I paid for and that's not what I am there for. That would be very traumatizing to the child that still is alive and scared in my mind. To put it more bluntly, I would be totally ticked off. A t was looking at me sexually as I was telling them about trauma. That's wicked. I was paying them to listen and not to have a fantasy.
>
> So, now, you can see where and why I stand on this.
>
>
>
Posted by shadows721 on May 1, 2004, at 1:48:30
In reply to Re: To: Fallen4myT more info about the shadows » shadows721, posted by Fallen4MyT on May 1, 2004, at 0:59:20
Yes, I did title the post about denial and it is about denial. The denial of the seriousness of what can happen to a person when they are abused by a t (especially with a history of rape).
Yep, I saw that item about the two years. Who is really going to believe there will be absolutely no contact for 2 years. Something funny went on in that t. Someone crossed the line Fallen. Okay, I am to believe ....t and client - I find you attactive and you too. I want to marry you, but let's not talk or meet for 2 years. I don't think so. You can't pull the wool over my eyes Fallen. tisk tisk You are cornering yourself. What do I care about stats. I don't want to marry a t. This is about you and not the stats and not the justifications. You are justifying this to yourself. It's your life. You don't have to justify this to me. But, something is bothering and it isn't all little ole shadows.
Sort off the topic, I could tell you were an abused person. That's why I shared.
Posted by shadows721 on May 1, 2004, at 2:07:25
In reply to Re: To: Fallen4myT more info about the shadows » shadows721, posted by Fallen4MyT on May 1, 2004, at 0:59:20
Posted by toomuchpain on May 1, 2004, at 3:02:53
In reply to to Fallen: I agree. We disagree: (nm), posted by shadows721 on May 1, 2004, at 2:07:25
well my input is what it is .. i dont think that a therapist should be balmed for everything when a client comes to them wanting different things from them ... sometimes therapits break down too ... everyone seems to place blame on just therapists .. u kno the clients have alot to do with this too !!!! i guess in all reality i think that weather the attration is mutual or not it could happen in any setting there is out there .. i have been in that sitiuon and i think the rules suck for a therapist.. they are people too i think they have a right tooo feel the way they do and do what they please as any other human being in this world ... my former t has crossed boundries with me quite a few times .. he wasnt wrong at all .. he did what his heart told him to do .. i wished it would have happened sooner then i would have known ... i would still take him back to this day .. he was a great person but he had a weekness but who dont
Posted by lucy stone on May 1, 2004, at 8:05:28
In reply to Re: to Fallen: I agree. We disagree:, posted by toomuchpain on May 1, 2004, at 3:02:53
I've been reading this thread with great interest because boundies are a huge issue with me. I am constantly pushing at the borders of the boundries but my T never puts even a toe over the line. I have yelled, cried, threatened, verbally abused, anything I could think of to get him to cross but he will not. I know it is ultimately in my best interest even though it doesn't always feel that way. However, in my case it is for a personal relationship outside the therapy boundry that is not sexual. I do sometimes have sexual feelings for him, but my longing is not primarily sexual. I think this thread is interesting but is seems to be defininly boundry crossings and "intimacy" mostly in sexual terms. I know that having sexual contact with a T is abuse, exploitation, and very damaging to patients, but I think non-sexual boundry crossing also has the potential to be very damaging. My T constantly points out to me that he is not my friend, he is my T and that is a very different thing. I love him dearly and I know he has what the calls genuine "warm feelings" for me, but it is within the T boundries. I am in analysis and see him 4X/week, and we often cover very difficult terrain. If he loved me in a personal sense or had great liking for me as a friend, I do not think he would have the same objectivity to help me as my T. For example, I often feel I am unlikeable and unfriendable. I have a great deal of difficulty making and maintaining close relationships with people and the loneliness is very hard for me. I do the same things with him that I do with people on the outside and he can help me see what it is I do that is offputting to people. In response to a thread of a few weeks ago, I asked him if he liked me. He stated that he like me, but he didn't like me sometimes when I behaved in certain ways. That was extrememly difficult to hear and pushed me back toward my depression. However, I need to know those things if I am going to be able to change my behavior in the ways I want. Now, if he loved me as a potential partner or liked me as a potential friend, would he even be able to see why I was offputting? Would he be blinded by his love/like? Especially if he loved me... This is why I think that the discussion should not just be limited to sexual contact, boundry crossings on an emotional level can also be very harmful to what we are trying to get with all our hard work in therapy. I don't think real therapy can go on if T/patient have feelings of love for each other, and if they think they are real the T should refer the patient out and start on their 2 year wait. I agree that you can't always predict where you will meet a partner, but if it happens in therapy there will be no real therapy going on. To me that is very unethical, for a T to continue seeing someone who should have moved on to a more objective T. He/she should put the patient's issues over their own feelings and refer them to someone else.
Posted by shadows721 on May 1, 2004, at 8:59:47
In reply to non-sexual boundry crossing, posted by lucy stone on May 1, 2004, at 8:05:28
Excellent point Lucy. Yes, there are non-sexual boundaries are important as well. The therapy setting is where most of us actually learn about boundaries. Some of us, like myself included, never even heard the word boundary before therapy. I am sure for some this is a foreign word still. What are they really talking about?
I hear people say, "My therapist forced me to discuss such in such." No, that shouldn't be either. No one can force you to discuss something you don't want to. There are mental boundary too. Therapists are supposed to demonstrate good boundaries for their clients to role model. They aren't suppose to ask you to engage in activities outside of therapy with them that has nothing to do with therapy. They keep your information confidential. They don't discuss another client's information with you or how they feel about another client personally. They don't talk about their private personal problems with you. Those are the basics. And of course, if they were crossing the non-sexual boundary, this could lead to the sexual boundary crossing.
Actually, consciously and unconsciously, it is the client that tests the t. Most of us that enter therapy have supreme trust issues, so we constantly test "can I trust you" with the t. Mentally, as we feel the t is trustworthy, we open up ourselves more and more. If a therapist breaks that boundary (mentally, physically, or emotionally), it can be extremely damaging for us.
Posted by Dinah on May 1, 2004, at 9:23:57
In reply to Re: To: Fallen4myT more info about the shadows » shadows721, posted by Fallen4MyT on May 1, 2004, at 0:59:20
Just a question, and no need to answer. I don't really have a clear idea of whether or not you have openly discussed your feelings for your therapist. Or whether or not you've discussed with him whether his intention is to refer you out, wait two years, leave his wife (he's married, isn't he?) and marry you in two years.
The only reason I ask is that I worry about you, and I would worry considerably less if I knew the topic had been openly discussed with your therapist and your expectations are the same.
I worry that they aren't because he's still your therapist.
Perhaps I worry too much.
Posted by Dr. Bob on May 1, 2004, at 10:48:03
In reply to Re: To: Fallen4myT, posted by shadows721 on May 1, 2004, at 1:48:30
> Well, I was starting to believe based on the lack of response that we should just pass out condoms at our next therapy session. Rules or no rules. Who needs rules anyway right? If you are attracted and they are too, just go right at it. If I feel like it and they do too, so be it. I am being sarcastic here.
Please don't be sarcastic here.
> You can't pull the wool over my eyes Fallen. tisk tisk You are cornering yourself... You are justifying this to yourself.
Or post anything that could lead others to feel accused or put down or jump to conclusions about them. I've asked you to be civil before, so now I'm going to block you for a week.
If you have any questions or comments about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
or email me, or redirect a follow-up to Psycho-Babble Administration after your block is over.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Fallen4MyT on May 1, 2004, at 11:55:27
In reply to the eyes have it, posted by shadows721 on April 30, 2004, at 17:22:52
<<shadow sez>
"Crushed What the ?...Enron?... Oh, I am not even going on that one. . <shadows shaking their head>
This above at the end of the discussion is why I feel this is about more than the topic discussion its rather sarcastic and I find it myself to be a harmful unnecessary remark. It veers off topic and insults the poster :(
> Well, I was starting to believe based on the lack of response that we should just pass out condoms at our next therapy session. Rules or no rules. Who needs rules anyway right? If you are attracted and they are too, just go right at it. If I feel like it and they do too, so be it. I am being sarcastic here.
>
> The issue being discussed is indeed infact "involvement with t". That's what I thought this discussion was about. Did it hit some nerves? Yep, it did. As well it should. This is a very serious issue. This can be a very damaging issue.
>
> Getting off the topic now. As far, as my comment about the t being a paid listener. I don't think that's depressing at all. It's very validating to be listened to. They should be doing a lot of listening. And, yes, when you listen, you think. I don't know about you, but when I listen, I think. <<Gees, People!!!>> If they are doing all the talking constantly for an hour, what are you getting out of that. T is for you and not the t.
>
> Okay. Look out. The dictionary was pulled out for word intimacy. Is it that we really don't know what itimacy is? The word was taken out of it's original context to prove a point that the word intimate does not have a sexual overtone to it. All Done, look Webster states... very close association, CONTACT, familiarity, of a VERY personal, or PRIVATE NATURE. What does it mean when someone says, "We were intimate last night." hmmm OH, NOW, GIVE ME A BREAK! RLOL Words can be manipulated to be what you want them to be. Now, back to my point..Some folks feel when they share private details of themselves, that the t and them are intimate. Nope. That's all made up in one's mind. Now, questions...Are you intimate with your t Or are you discussing intimate things with the t? That's very different. Isn't it? Does it change the rules? Nope.
>
> Eating ice cream for breakfast is breaking your own rules Crushed. A t having sex with a client is breaking the law and is very damaging emotionally for a client in the long run. If my t tried to have sex with me, I would call it attempted rape, because it would not be mutual.
>
> Crushed What the ?...Enron?... Oh, I am not even going on that one. . <shadows shaking their head>
>
>
>
>
Posted by Fallen4MyT on May 1, 2004, at 11:59:45
In reply to Re: To: Fallen4myT more info about the shadows » Fallen4MyT, posted by Dinah on May 1, 2004, at 9:23:57
Oh Dinah that is very sweet of you and thank you but please don't worry about me I am fine and am more informed on the topic and what is going on in my life than I feel I can post in here. I am fine really.
I honestly do not need anyone saving me from myself or my T he is very professional I just wish I could talk about ME and not be attacked and all..AND NO I DO NOT MEAN YOU ..But go see your email I have a surpise in there that may put a smile on your face :-)
> Just a question, and no need to answer. I don't really have a clear idea of whether or not you have openly discussed your feelings for your therapist. Or whether or not you've discussed with him whether his intention is to refer you out, wait two years, leave his wife (he's married, isn't he?) and marry you in two years.
>
> The only reason I ask is that I worry about you, and I would worry considerably less if I knew the topic had been openly discussed with your therapist and your expectations are the same.
>
> I worry that they aren't because he's still your therapist.
>
> Perhaps I worry too much.
Posted by Fallen4MyT on May 1, 2004, at 12:35:12
In reply to non-sexual boundry crossing, posted by lucy stone on May 1, 2004, at 8:05:28
You make some very good points Lucy. I do not agree with all but well thought out as it pertains to you ..for me, I see crossings as ok in my case..I have talked on this before in another thread..but the small say allowance to go over a half hour in a session no charge has not messed me up. I think sometimes especially with me and people like me these crossings HELP us trust and talk more and be more open..and yes I do see the flip side where..it could be bad for some and misleading. Its a good discussion...
> I've been reading this thread with great interest because boundies are a huge issue with me. I am constantly pushing at the borders of the boundries but my T never puts even a toe over the line. I have yelled, cried, threatened, verbally abused, anything I could think of to get him to cross but he will not. I know it is ultimately in my best interest even though it doesn't always feel that way. However, in my case it is for a personal relationship outside the therapy boundry that is not sexual. I do sometimes have sexual feelings for him, but my longing is not primarily sexual. I think this thread is interesting but is seems to be defininly boundry crossings and "intimacy" mostly in sexual terms. I know that having sexual contact with a T is abuse, exploitation, and very damaging to patients, but I think non-sexual boundry crossing also has the potential to be very damaging. My T constantly points out to me that he is not my friend, he is my T and that is a very different thing. I love him dearly and I know he has what the calls genuine "warm feelings" for me, but it is within the T boundries. I am in analysis and see him 4X/week, and we often cover very difficult terrain. If he loved me in a personal sense or had great liking for me as a friend, I do not think he would have the same objectivity to help me as my T. For example, I often feel I am unlikeable and unfriendable. I have a great deal of difficulty making and maintaining close relationships with people and the loneliness is very hard for me. I do the same things with him that I do with people on the outside and he can help me see what it is I do that is offputting to people. In response to a thread of a few weeks ago, I asked him if he liked me. He stated that he like me, but he didn't like me sometimes when I behaved in certain ways. That was extrememly difficult to hear and pushed me back toward my depression. However, I need to know those things if I am going to be able to change my behavior in the ways I want. Now, if he loved me as a potential partner or liked me as a potential friend, would he even be able to see why I was offputting? Would he be blinded by his love/like? Especially if he loved me... This is why I think that the discussion should not just be limited to sexual contact, boundry crossings on an emotional level can also be very harmful to what we are trying to get with all our hard work in therapy. I don't think real therapy can go on if T/patient have feelings of love for each other, and if they think they are real the T should refer the patient out and start on their 2 year wait. I agree that you can't always predict where you will meet a partner, but if it happens in therapy there will be no real therapy going on. To me that is very unethical, for a T to continue seeing someone who should have moved on to a more objective T. He/she should put the patient's issues over their own feelings and refer them to someone else.
Posted by gardenergirl on May 1, 2004, at 18:22:46
In reply to Re: To: Fallen4myT more info about the shadows » Fallen4MyT, posted by Dinah on May 1, 2004, at 9:23:57
Fallen,
I admit I worry about you, too. But I feel sad that you felt attacked on this thread. I know you work hard to honor others' beliefs and that you seem to enjoy an honest, civil debate.((((Fallen))))
gg
Posted by Fallen4MyT on May 1, 2004, at 18:39:51
In reply to Re: To: Fallen4myT more info about the shadows, posted by gardenergirl on May 1, 2004, at 18:22:46
Aww GG thank you I really do apprecaite the concern and all but I really am fine and not in any emotional peril but thank you for the support your very sweet
HUGS> Fallen,
> I admit I worry about you, too. But I feel sad that you felt attacked on this thread. I know you work hard to honor others' beliefs and that you seem to enjoy an honest, civil debate.
>
> ((((Fallen))))
>
> gg
This is the end of the thread.
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