Posted by emmanuel98 on June 12, 2009, at 21:01:32
In reply to Re: Support for psychotherapy patients, etc. » garnet71, posted by antigua3 on June 12, 2009, at 20:17:25
My father was the abuser as well, but, angry and unpredictable as he was, he was real, whereas my mother was so odd and anxious and distracted as to be unreal. I never felt any connection to her at all. I felt like my father thought of me -- mostly negatively, but I existed in his mind. I didn't exist in my mother's mind.
So I chose a male therapist and an older male at that. My father transference has been intense -- imagining my T as a loving father. It was overwhelming at the beginning.
My T (also a p-doc) was a lot like garnet's at the beginning. Very intense, very serious, pushing me very hard. I thought about therapy all week after I left and couldn't wait to see him again. But he told me that it was I, not him, who brought the intensity to the process. Most of his patients didn't react the way I did. The intensity of the process was hard and painful but also made it so worthwhile. I learned so much about myself so quickly and was able to make deep changes in myself. He was right there with me all the way.
So if you have the stamina and willingness to work, garnet, jump in with this guy and let it unfold. It can be a mind-blowing, transformative experience.
poster:emmanuel98
thread:900556
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20090515/msgs/900688.html