Feeling a strong attachment to a therapist is not uncommon and is often referred to as a therapeutic bond or alliance. This bond can be a powerful and essential aspect of the therapeutic process, as it can create a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their emotions, thoughts, and challenges.
There are several reasons why you might feel a strong attachment to your therapist:
Emotional Support: Therapists are trained to provide empathy, understanding, and non-judgmental support, which can lead to a deep emotional connection.
Transference: Sometimes, clients may project feelings and emotions onto their therapist that are related to past significant relationships. This is known as transference and can create a strong attachment.
Safe Space: Therapy sessions can become a safe space where you feel heard and accepted, which can foster a strong sense of attachment.
Vulnerability: Opening up and being vulnerable with your therapist can create a bond based on trust and shared experiences.
Validation and Acceptance: Feeling validated and accepted by your therapist can strengthen the attachment as it fulfills a fundamental emotional need.
Regarding the experience of loosening the attachment between sessions and finding it hard to get started each time you meet, there are a few factors that could be contributing to this:
Boundaries: Therapists often maintain professional boundaries to ensure a healthy therapeutic relationship. Between sessions, it's natural for some of the intense emotions to subside as the client returns to their daily life.
Time and Space: The emotional intensity that arises during sessions may dissipate when you are not in the immediate presence of the therapist.
Fear of Judgment: Starting each session might be challenging if you fear being judged for your thoughts and feelings, even though you know your therapist is non-judgmental.
Resistance: Some individuals experience resistance to therapy, which can manifest as difficulty in engaging in the process, even though they recognize its benefits.
Self-Protective Mechanism: The emotional intensity may lead to a self-protective mechanism, causing you to detach somewhat to manage overwhelming feelings.
It's essential to discuss these feelings openly with your therapist during sessions. Your therapist can help you explore the attachment and any difficulties you might be facing. Understanding these dynamics and openly addressing them can contribute to a deeper and more meaningful therapeutic experience. Remember, experiencing strong feelings towards your therapist is a normal part of the therapeutic journey, and therapists are equipped to navigate these emotions with you in a supportive and professional manner.