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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 alexandra_k on July 11, 2005, at 19:49:10
I've been thinking about the 'therapists are like washing machines' idea which suggests interchangability...
And I guess the opposite to that is that they are completely unique.
But pets are unique. Oh yes they are. But when one moves on... Well... The best cure can be a new pet. I mean, you always remember what is special about your old pet. Their idiosyncracies. Their uniqueness. They are never completely replacable. But a new pet fills that gap that the old pet left. Old uniqueness is replaced with new uniqueness and after a while you get attached to the new one too.
The role... Their role in your life is what is indespensible.
Only... I guess ultimately we want other people in our life to come to fill the role that we once needed a therapist to fill.
Therapists are like pets I say :-)
Posted by Emily Elizabeth on July 11, 2005, at 19:53:42
In reply to therapists are like pets, posted by alexandra_k on July 11, 2005, at 19:49:10
Posted by Dinah on July 11, 2005, at 20:14:04
In reply to therapists are like pets, posted by alexandra_k on July 11, 2005, at 19:49:10
Yes they are. I could have a lifetime of pets, and not come near to having a Bunty.
After she died, I looked for her everywhere. For her soul, you know? Because I knew if there was reincarnation, she'd come back to me. She'd find a way back to me somehow. Even though I killed her. I don't think I stopped looking until I didn't see her in my son's eyes.
After Bunty died, Harry was born. I didn't love him like Bunty. I want to spend eternity with Bunty. I would have married Bunty if I could have. But Harry was wonderful and I loved him. I loved him more than I can say.
I've had dozens of pets before and after and during those two. Some I loved more than others. But no one would ever take their place, any more than anyone could take my son's place.
Yes, you get other pets. But they aren't replacements. You don't feel the same way. You only get a few true loves in your life in pets, and in husbands, or family, or therapists.
All the therapists in the world couldn't take the place of the one I have. No one else would feel remotely like him.
All the dogs in the world will never take Bunty's place in my life. My arms still ache for her. The bubble of laughter that was my Bunty, that was my happiness, is forever stilled. The swelling of admiration and pride that was my Harry will never return.
Another pet, maybe one in ten or twenty, might capture another very very special spot in my soul.
But a new pet will never take Bunty's role. A new pet will never take Harry's role. That bubble of happiness, that swell of pride, they're both gone forever.
If my therapist were to go, I could find someone to talk to and to give me sage advice. But the font of all safety (which is what I called him last session) would be gone forever.
Posted by pinkeye on July 11, 2005, at 21:05:16
In reply to therapists are like pets, posted by alexandra_k on July 11, 2005, at 19:49:10
Except that pets never leave you and go !!! Unless they die.
Posted by Shortelise on July 11, 2005, at 23:20:43
In reply to therapists are like pets, posted by alexandra_k on July 11, 2005, at 19:49:10
Well, I've often thought my T should have been a vet...
:-)
ShortE
Posted by Jazzed on July 12, 2005, at 10:12:41
In reply to therapists are like pets, posted by alexandra_k on July 11, 2005, at 19:49:10
> But pets are unique. Oh yes they are. But when one moves on... Well... The best cure can be a new pet. I mean, you always remember what is special about your old pet. Their idiosyncracies. Their uniqueness. They are never completely replacable. But a new pet fills that gap that the old pet left. Old uniqueness is replaced with new uniqueness and after a while you get attached to the new one too.
>
>
> Therapists are like pets I say :-)This is such an interesting thought! Very creative. Well, if my T is a pet, I better be careful! LOL
Jazzy
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