Posted by emmanuel98 on June 19, 2011, at 21:15:18
In reply to Re: cooperative policy setting in therapy, posted by Dinah on June 18, 2011, at 8:53:56
My p-doc (also my primary T for five years) and I have talked a lot about the power he has. As he put it, I need him more that he needs me. I feel dependent on him and he does not feel dependent on me. But we have also talked about what our "contract" is -- as in how often we meet, etc. When I have worried about him abruptly cutting back or something, he reminds me that we have always made these decisions collaboratively, never unilaterally.
On the other hand, he is 72 years old and says things like, I can see you as long as you feel the need to see me, unless external factors interfere (he could get sick, decide to retire). I feel upset when he says that. He is not going to practice forever. If he gets sick, I won't get to help take care of him, but will be cut out of his life. I love him and he does not love me. He is central to my life and I am not central to his life. So, by definition, he holds power over me.
poster:emmanuel98
thread:988513
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20110511/msgs/988835.html