Posted by Tamar on June 15, 2005, at 6:08:43
In reply to Sharing an Email Sent to My T. (very long), posted by 10derHeart on June 15, 2005, at 0:42:28
I’m so glad to see you back at Babble, 10der. And I’m so sorry you’re feeling so unhappy. I’m so sorry to hear the self-loathing in your words, because I think you are such a wonderful person. It seems very sad that you feel so little self-worth when you show so much love and understanding to others.
I’m glad your T replied with empathy and told you that you are not a joke. He sounds like a wonderful therapist. And I’m sorry you feel that being needy means you are being a cr*ppy client. On the contrary, I think sharing your feelings makes you a good client. There’s nothing wrong with being needy; that’s what therapy is for. And if you really show it all, what will your therapist do? I’m certain he will respond with the same caring and empathy he has already shown. It’s good that you are trusting him with your feelings. And it’s great that he is able to see and hear you.
I thought about the ‘prosper you and not harm you’ verse (Jer 29:11 NIV) and I noticed that the RSV translation gives:
For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give to you a future and a hope.
This is closer to the original Hebrew than the NIV. The word translated ‘prosper’ in the NIV (and ‘welfare’ in the RSV) is the word shalom, which means completeness, peace and welfare. I think you’ve hit on a verse that is particularly significant for people who feel depressed and overwhelmed. To me the verse suggests hope for a happier future, and the possibility of change: the possibility of an end to suffering (especially when we consider the context in Jeremiah). I hope it’s OK for me to comment on the Bible like this. If not, I apologise.I agree with you when you say that therapy is hard and confusing! I’m glad that you look forward to sessions. It sounds to me as if you are finding some comfort there, which is undoubtedly just what you need right now.
Big hugs,
Tamar
poster:Tamar
thread:512970
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20050615/msgs/513023.html