Hi,
I have a question about transference, and I'm really hoping someone can help me.
From the little I've read, supposedly a client experiences transference with their therapist. As a client, I have felt this feeling. I recognize that I feel strongly about my therapist and want to please her. I also realize that I need physical touch (hugging or comfort) from her. Incidentally, we are both female, and I am not talking about anything sexual.
While I realize that the therapist shouldn't encourage dependency, I don't understand why the therapist can't share some of their emotional reactions with the client. And why they can't hug or touch?
Supposedly, they are taking a temporary role as a surrogate parent until the client can effectively parent themselves. What parent would provide a safe environment for talk and intellectual information, but no emotional support or hugging?
As a client with a background of childhood sexual abuse and neglect, I feel that what I need is to have a good role model of what a healthy relationship is. Doesn't that involve knowing how the other person feels and what they are thinking? Doesn't it involve touch at times?
Isn't the purpose of the therapy relationship to model what a healthy relationship is?
I'm so frustrated and confused.
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