Following a discussion with an art therapist as well as my own personal opinion before meeting this professional, I believe that therapy is supposed to be a safe space to be yourself. A space to express whatever you decide to express.
Since I would like to become and art therapist one day as I well, I was sharing with this friend the idea of a project that I would like to begin on my own time. For context, I don't have a diploma in this field yet so, I was thinking of starting a small project on a side just so I could help others with their artistic expression in my free time until I manage to get a diploma.
The friend I was discussing with asked me a question which was: How would I react if someone insulted/got angry with me during a session?
I answered that It would probably not feel good and I'd feel bad for sure but, I'd try to know why this person felt that way.
Then this friend asked me if I'd see this person's reaction as an opportunity. I tried clarifying and asked for what reason I should see it that way. Then said that I'd see it as an opportunity for this person to finally express and explore their feelings. And this friend clarified by saying that for them, it's an opportunity because I would have induced a emotion out of them. So, it's good if they get angry (for example).
I can't help but think that this is kind of a manipulative way to speak and wonder if they have ever done this to me. Maybe to get me to talk or express myself.
I don't feel like it's normal to expect a reaction out of people you care about. At the contrary, you'd like them to be able to express themselves when they decide and if they decide to do so because they trust you, and if what they need is peace of mind and by doing art they get that... Then, I wouldn't feel like I failed. I'd just be happy that they spent a peaceful moment.
Should I be worried that someone like this is making part of my life or am I overthinking?
Since I would like to become and art therapist one day as I well, I was sharing with this friend the idea of a project that I would like to begin on my own time. For context, I don't have a diploma in this field yet so, I was thinking of starting a small project on a side just so I could help others with their artistic expression in my free time until I manage to get a diploma.
The friend I was discussing with asked me a question which was: How would I react if someone insulted/got angry with me during a session?
I answered that It would probably not feel good and I'd feel bad for sure but, I'd try to know why this person felt that way.
Then this friend asked me if I'd see this person's reaction as an opportunity. I tried clarifying and asked for what reason I should see it that way. Then said that I'd see it as an opportunity for this person to finally express and explore their feelings. And this friend clarified by saying that for them, it's an opportunity because I would have induced a emotion out of them. So, it's good if they get angry (for example).
I can't help but think that this is kind of a manipulative way to speak and wonder if they have ever done this to me. Maybe to get me to talk or express myself.
I don't feel like it's normal to expect a reaction out of people you care about. At the contrary, you'd like them to be able to express themselves when they decide and if they decide to do so because they trust you, and if what they need is peace of mind and by doing art they get that... Then, I wouldn't feel like I failed. I'd just be happy that they spent a peaceful moment.
Should I be worried that someone like this is making part of my life or am I overthinking?
What Girls & Guys Said
Opinion
2Opinion
Sometimes people are not capable of giving you what you want.
What do you mean?
Are you speaking of honesty or something? Or maybe I gave the impression that I expected something from them?
"Art therapist", what made up bullshit.
Well, you can not believe in it if you wish and that's okay 😊 My question wasn't about your opinion on this profession but thanks for sharing anyway