saiveca Posted September 17, 2010 Posted September 17, 2010 I've been seeing this therapist 3-4 times. I mostly discuss everyday stuff and how to deal with stress, that kind of thing. He is about my age and we have a good rapport. Last week, at the end of the session he said he'd be happy to have another session if I felt the need to but also encouraged me to occasionally keep in touch if I don't come for a session. Does he want to know about my stress levels or does he want to keep in touch in the sense of keeping in touch?
Ruby Slippers Posted September 17, 2010 Posted September 17, 2010 Any good therapist will say that, for therapeutic and business reasons. And a good therapist doesn't flirt with his/her clients.
Author saiveca Posted September 17, 2010 Author Posted September 17, 2010 Any good therapist will say that, for therapeutic and business reasons. And a good therapist doesn't flirt with his/her clients. A good therapist will encourage you to just say hello? Really? I had a few older therapists and they were quite formal and professional. I could not imagine any of those guys telling me to say hello and keep in touch.
LisaLee Posted September 17, 2010 Posted September 17, 2010 Yes, a good therapist will encourage a hello. My MC encouraged this as well.
Author saiveca Posted September 17, 2010 Author Posted September 17, 2010 Yes, a good therapist will encourage a hello. My MC encouraged this as well. So would he expect that I simply write an email to tell him I'm doing great?
LisaLee Posted September 17, 2010 Posted September 17, 2010 I don't think he expects it, it sounds like it was a polite offer. Why? Are you attracted to your therapist?
Author saiveca Posted September 17, 2010 Author Posted September 17, 2010 I don't think he expects it, it sounds like it was a polite offer. Why? Are you attracted to your therapist? Yeah, kind of. The guy is quite informal and when he said to not hesitate if I want to say hello, it took me off guard.
flying Posted September 17, 2010 Posted September 17, 2010 Yeah, you may be projecting a bit...my therapist (a woman) said a similar thing to me after I left, but it was just friendly and professional.
Author saiveca Posted September 17, 2010 Author Posted September 17, 2010 Yeah, you may be projecting a bit...my therapist (a woman) said a similar thing to me after I left, but it was just friendly and professional. Thanks for posting. Actually I sent him a note to show him my photography gallery (which he had expressed interest for) and he replied quickly to thank me along with "talk soon". You're right though, I do feel like I might be projecting too much.
meerkat stew Posted September 17, 2010 Posted September 17, 2010 Never been in therapy, but know a fair share of shrinks, and though they don't tell me about specific patients, I do hear lots about the general process. If you are a pleasant patient and easy on the eyes and ears, you are an exception to what the rest of his patient roster probably looks and sounds like, and he likely hates to lose that sort of patient, as opposed to the vast majority who are extremely annoying and grating. As far as romantic interest, would not assume that, especially if he is not completely established and completely booked solid. In all likelihood he is just being courteous, professional and engaging in some networking.
D-Lish Posted September 17, 2010 Posted September 17, 2010 It's common practice for a shrink to encourage updates. He could lose his practice and open himself up to a massive lawsuit by hitting on you. I don't see anything he did as coming on to you. He's inviting a progress report. Not to say it's impossible, but he'd be putting his license on the line to flirt with you, and that seems highly unlikely. Nothing you said indicates he was being inappropriate.
jamesum Posted September 17, 2010 Posted September 17, 2010 Yeah, kind ofLol, I saw that coming from miles away.
D-Lish Posted September 17, 2010 Posted September 17, 2010 Hitting on you would make him an unprofessional/disrespectful type of person for lack of boundaries. His comments could be for the purpose of networking and business (you recommending him or continuing to use him). He wouldn’t be the first person to be unprofessional if he is hitting on you. But it doesn't seem likely given what he could lose. In his profession, it isn't unprofessional, it's entirely unethical. He invited a progress report, and the OP is now sending him photo galleries believing that there is a possibility he might be interested. I think OP is twisting his intentions in her head.
Gallaxia Posted September 17, 2010 Posted September 17, 2010 It's common for an attraction to occur if either is attracted or both are attractive. Consider the fact that the doctor is able to help fulfill or resolve something with the patient to help them live a more fulfilling life. Although it is inappropriate. You didn't mention how long you've been in therapy but your doctor should be able to tell based on your history and circumstances if you are ready to date (again, if your not already). Because if your single and developing a crush, (& with his counseling) you could find ways to seek out other (more appropriate) people. A good doctor would be concerned with the well being of a patient under his care, but most likely it is just projecting.
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