Posted by Dinah on February 19, 2002, at 9:49:21
OK, here I draw the line, trouble. I may be able to freely debate the use of the term verbal abuse, but I cannot bring myself to debate whether there is inequality in a therapeutic relationship (except perhaps in short term cognitive therapy). And it doesn't depend on the gender of either participant.
Every week I stand before my therapist emotionally naked and vulnerable, while he is emotionally fully clothed. That alone puts him in a position of power over me.
To me, he is the person in whom I confide my most hidden secrets and impulses, ones I don't even want to acknowledge to myself. This inherently makes him very important to me. To him I am just one of many clients who do the same.
If you aren't keenly aware of the power differential in a therapeutic relationship, may I respectfully and with the intention of being helpful suggest that you look and see how many protective layers you have yet to shed.
poster:Dinah
thread:18481
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020214/msgs/18481.html