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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by pretty_paints on March 24, 2005, at 10:47:46
Hi there,
My therapist is having a break for three weeks. In our last session today she said would I like to take a cushion away with me! as I always hug like, three of them every session!
It was really sweet and I could tell she was thinking of me, coz I can hug the cushion if I get down or confused.
I've read a lot of posts about therapist's giving, or lending, things to people, and I always thought "oooh I'd love that!"....
But actually, it made me feel really weird and awkward! I don't know why. I've put it in my parents room coz I just feel kinda freaked out about it.
The worst thing tho is nothing gets past her!! She's like my guilty conscience! I am going to have to tell my therapist these feelings, and I'm terrified of offending her. She did something really sweet and I just found it weird. I dunno why!
Anyway any advice would be good!!! Thanks! xxx
Posted by Shortelise on March 24, 2005, at 12:03:21
In reply to My therapist gave me a cushion!, posted by pretty_paints on March 24, 2005, at 10:47:46
You are so sweet!
I'm thinking that by the end of the three weeks, you'll have a longer story to tell her about the cushion. Like, at first you felt one way, then you felt another and then another ... it will be the story of paints and the cushion!
I hope the weeks are short and that you feel fine the whole time.
ShortE
Posted by pegasus on March 24, 2005, at 12:57:35
In reply to My therapist gave me a cushion!, posted by pretty_paints on March 24, 2005, at 10:47:46
That's so cool! I love to hear stories like this about sensitive therapists who understand all of the charge of their relationships and how big it feels when they're gone.
I have a Christmas card from my T that I carry around with me all the time. It's just great to have some object that is from her. I'll be interested to hear whether/how you change your attitude toward the cushion. I hope you are able to get some comfort from it.
pegasus
Posted by annierose on March 24, 2005, at 17:27:08
In reply to Re: My therapist gave me a cushion!, posted by pegasus on March 24, 2005, at 12:57:35
I agree with both posters ... your feelings will probably change over the course of the week. When you are feeling vulnerable, you'll probably hug that pillow and feel some comfort. It was very sweet of her.
Posted by shrinking violet on March 24, 2005, at 19:06:30
In reply to My therapist gave me a cushion!, posted by pretty_paints on March 24, 2005, at 10:47:46
Aw, that is sweet. My T did a similar thing over the holiday break.....She has these two soft decorative pillows that sit, one on each chair, in her office. I always cuddle one during sessions. What was odd, was that before I went to the last session before the break in December, I was silently wishing I could take home one of the pillows, but I would NEVER ask. As I was about to leave, I put down the pillow so I could get up, and my T asked me if I wanted to take it and hold it for her while we were apart. Needless to say, that pillow hardly left my side during that time and it was a great comfort to me. She's let me take it a couple of more times as well, even between regular sessions.
As for your reaction, I suspect it will begin to change, if it hasn't already. While some part of you is elated at the gesture, it still may be a bit jarring having a part of your sacred therapy space in your home, for example. Maybe keep a written record of your feelings toward the cushion as they come about....it will make for an interesting session when your T returns. Recently my T bought me a flower, and my first reaction to it was one of aversion and fear, and I wouldn't accept it. Later, I began to come up with some reasons as to why I reacted the way I did, and now I wish I had reacted much differently although I didn't have much control over my reaction at the time. Remember that you can't always control your actions...and you shouldn't....but be mindful and aware of them; you may learn much about yourself and/or your relationship with your T, and/or therapy, during this time.
Take care of yourself....I hope these weeks are swift and peaceful.
SV
Posted by annierose on April 2, 2005, at 18:04:32
In reply to My therapist gave me a cushion!, posted by pretty_paints on March 24, 2005, at 10:47:46
This is the end of the thread.
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