Posted by Dinah on April 24, 2013, at 8:09:17
In reply to question for those in therapy, posted by tetrix on April 18, 2013, at 22:07:46
My therapist isn't a squishy warm sort of person. He would never hold hands, and I'm guessing that's doubly true for women. He would probably look askance at the idea of transitional objects. He holds me mainly with his voice and his presence, though he's not at all opposed to hugs. I'm not sure the hugs are as satisfying as the presence though. Physical contact can be found in many places. Therapeutic contact is something I can only get from him. (On the other hand - in the interests of strict honesty - he's very large, and I admittedly find an occasional hug from a very large man very comforting. My father was also a tall man, tho not overly large. It probably brings back memories of my experiences when very very young.)
Are you feeling dissatisfied with what your therapist can or will offer? Every therapist's comfort zone is different. And I can tell you that when I've asked my therapist to step beyond his comfort zone, the results have been disappointing. Which doesn't stop me from trying to explain to him why what I'm asking for would be well within his comfort zone. :) But then, I try to only do that if I truly believe he is misunderstanding what I wish for, and what I am actually asking *would* be within his comfort zone.
Is this the same therapist with whom you've long had a push-pull relationship? If so, could this be part of a larger dynamic?
poster:Dinah
thread:1042342
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20130309/msgs/1042581.html