Posted by Dinah on August 14, 2004, at 22:26:31
In reply to Re: talking to who shows up... » Dinah, posted by Pfinstegg on August 14, 2004, at 22:08:59
> I couldn't help thinking- do you close your eyes when you are with your T (maybe you don't any more) because you have such a magnetic gaze that it's a bit scary?
I always say I keep my eyes closed in therapy because I see better without distractions. :) I think I mean I can concentrate better on what's going on and feel the energy in the room better.
>
> I guess the important questions to ask ourselves, whatever our diagnoses are, 1) am I connecting in a deep and healthy way with my T, survivng cycles of rupture and repair, and having a gradually more secure attachment until I've gotten enough of what I needed, andI'm doing a really good job with that, and developing an increasing sense of safety that I never had before.
2) do I feel like an increasingly whole person who cares about myself and knows and can accept all of me- not beating myself up about mistakes, limitations or failings?
I'm not so good with this one. :) And becoming whole in the sense of integration isn't a goal of any part of me.
3) Can I use my gifts and talents more than I could before therapy?
There's a definite yes.
I suppose I think of it in way too concrete terms. Pretty typical for me. :) Do I function better with or without therapy? If I function better with therapy, how much better? Can I justify the cost? What are the costs of not going to therapy? Am I a better mother?
And the biggie to me was always understanding why I behaved like I did. Therapy has answered that for me, and for me understanding the why of something is like having a key to my universe. I still may do things I don't like, but I understand why I'm doing them.
> Thanks for the great pic, Dinah!
You're welcome. It's my favorite one of me. I have ones where I'm cuter, but this one seems to represent best who I am in essence.
poster:Dinah
thread:376265
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040812/msgs/377785.html