Posted by gardenergirl on January 19, 2004, at 11:48:26
In reply to Re: Encouraging transference?, posted by Karen_kay on January 19, 2004, at 11:03:27
I thought I would answer this one as a psychology trainee versus a client because if my T does this, I can't say I really notice. Other than once I started bringing a beverage to sessions (coffee or coke) he started having a diet coke, too.
But anyway, I find myself mirroring my clients all the time. My view of it is that it is my unconcious talking to my client's unconcious and vice versa. I view it as a sign that we are joined in the session and in tune with each other.
There is a psychologist named Kohut who developed a version of self-psychology where he views mirroring as a critical parental function when kids are growing up. By this he means both physical and emotional mirroring. So, whether mirroring in therapy is a sign of transference or flirting, I don't view it as bad. I think it shows the client that the T is present and hearing you. It may even provide a corrective emotional experience.
At any rate, I usually don't even know I am doing it unless I catch myself shifting when the client does or when I look at the videotape.
Regards,
gg
poster:gardenergirl
thread:302564
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040116/msgs/302739.html