Posted by Honore on May 29, 2007, at 17:23:30
In reply to Re: here you go... the ethics thread, posted by pegasus on May 29, 2007, at 12:57:24
There's been a theoretical difference between things Ts do to create a "therapeutic alliance" and things that are considered seductive. I suppose you could see the line as being blurred at some points-- but at the same time, conceptually, I would think attentiveness, kindness, carefulness, reliability and things like that wouldn't be considered seductive.
There's always been this idea in classical analysis-- at least in the modern American version of it-- that if you are too gratifying-- whatever that means-- that it induces or fosters dependence-- which could mean that the patient doesnt' confront and work through certain conflicts, but is able to avoid them through fantasies that the T can magically make things better, or fulfill the patient's needs. Then the patient doesn't have to deal with limitations, non-fulfillment of unrealistic dreams and beliefs, or losses-- etc.
So I think there really is a separation between seductiveness-- which could be sexual, but goes far beyond that-- and ordinary decency and respect. Or other things that create a therapeutic environment.
I guess As who reject the acceptance of gifts, or cultivate a certain kind of neutrality tend to see things as primarily working through of drives or internal conflict, and believe that a so-called real relationship is not the primary vehicle of any cure. Other Ts, who believe that the relationship is more real, or like that outside of therapy, although it is different in certain respects, tend to be more interested in attachment, or the ability of the T to provide some degree of reparation or better experience, rather than to allow the P to work out purely internal struggles. For those Ts, accepting gifts could easily be seen a providing a new experience of acceptance and valuing what a P can contribute-- whereas in more classical analysis, that would be considered a harmful enactment. (But then the word "enactment" also has taken on positive meanings in more recent analytic writing, whereas in classical American analysis, it had a very negative meaning.)
Honore
poster:Honore
thread:759943
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20070525/msgs/760230.html