Posted by Daisym on August 15, 2011, at 23:36:13
In reply to Re: Transference and why some alliances go bad? » emmanuel98, posted by floatingbridge on August 15, 2011, at 22:17:49
This is one of those subjects that we might win the noble prize for if we could find the answer. I think "fit" is really, really important and internal resilience. More on the therapist than on the patient. In long term therapy, I think the relationship goes through a "teen-age" stage. Once a safe base is established, exploration becomes necessary. But exploring alone is scary and painful. We lash out at the safe base, who takes it and takes it, and then can't anymore. No one wants to feel like a failure and long term clients provide a unique opportunity for therapists to feel frustrated and like failures.
But - and a really big but here - there are so many opportunities for growing and skill building. Teens usually grow into really nice people. And the foundation on which the relationship was started, provides a lovely, life-long anchor in this world. The rewards can be enormous - and make a therapist feel so very proud of themselves and the patient.
Human. We are all so human. And we really don't want our therapists to be...or our parents.
But for sure, long term therapy is not for the feint of heart. On either side.
poster:Daisym
thread:993914
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20110706/msgs/993968.html