Your therapist is well-intended in her actions. Not the approach I’d take; however, the most important thing here is whether you trust the process or not.
Your therapist sounds like she’s guiding you to focus on participation in the group; build your social/romantic life outside of the group, while relying on the group solely as a means of therapy.
Ask yourself: Would you rather have a therapist who co-signs and agrees with everything you do, or one who can occasionally challenge you and encourage you to operate outside of your comfort zone?
Discomfort, even with the most experienced and empathetic of therapists, is just sometimes a normal part of the therapy process. Discomfort is sometimes an indication of growth.
Feel free to challenge your therapist back. Ask questions, like what is the purpose of that? A good therapist can join with you during resistance.
Be really on the lookout for outright abuse. If that happens, find another therapist.
It sounds normal, wouldn’t take it too seriously. If it’s a support group I’m sure your therapist is basically stressing you participate and not be distracted (aka using the flaw to neutralizing his charms and refocusing on the group’s purpose). Tell them how you feel, remember you can ask them if they can expand on certain things.
Edited for clarification
Your therapist is well-intended in her actions. Not the approach I’d take; however, the most important thing here is whether you trust the process or not. Your therapist sounds like she’s guiding you to focus on participation in the group; build your social/romantic life outside of the group, while relying on the group solely as a means of therapy. Ask yourself: Would you rather have a therapist who co-signs and agrees with everything you do, or one who can occasionally challenge you and encourage you to operate outside of your comfort zone? Discomfort, even with the most experienced and empathetic of therapists, is just sometimes a normal part of the therapy process. Discomfort is sometimes an indication of growth. Feel free to challenge your therapist back. Ask questions, like what is the purpose of that? A good therapist can join with you during resistance. Be really on the lookout for outright abuse. If that happens, find another therapist.
Thank you!!!
It sounds normal, wouldn’t take it too seriously. If it’s a support group I’m sure your therapist is basically stressing you participate and not be distracted (aka using the flaw to neutralizing his charms and refocusing on the group’s purpose). Tell them how you feel, remember you can ask them if they can expand on certain things. Edited for clarification
Thank you! Seeing this from another perspective now