Posted by robinibor on September 28, 2001, at 9:33:53
In reply to Re: My therapist lost a family member in WTC attack » Mair, posted by shelliR on September 27, 2001, at 23:13:43
All of what has been said is true. I just told this story here as a way of saying it probably wouldn't hurt to give an encouraging word to the therapist who lost his wife in the WTC attack.
In my friend's case, she actually was concerned about this patient's lack of feeling for others in general. That happens to be one of the patient's issues with friends and family--not seeing that see expects everyone to pay attention to her, at the same time never giving when another is in pain even when she is "okay" herself.
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> Since she has deacided to work during her treatments, and since this feeling may be getting in the way of the progress of the patient, I think it is the therapist's responsiblity to bring it up,. She might mention that the patient has kept silent about the illness, and ask how her illnesss is affecting her feelings about working with the therapist. If the patient feels an opening in discussing those feelings, then it might be helpful. If the patient does not feel comfortable talking about it, and the therapist is "sad", then I believe it is better to either pospone the therapy until the therapist is well, or talk openly about the option of the patient finding a new therapist, during the therapist's illness.
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> Aside from civility, it always worries me when therapists "expect" or need something from patients.
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> Shelli
poster:robinibor
thread:11592
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20010927/msgs/11855.html