In general, it is absolutely appropriate and encouraged to express your feelings and thoughts to your therapist, including your gratitude and concerns about being an inconvenience. Therapists are trained to create a safe and non-judgmental environment for their clients to open up and share their feelings honestly. They understand that therapy is a collaborative process, and clients may have various thoughts and emotions about the therapeutic relationship.
Here's how a psychotherapist might respond to your statement:
Acknowledgment of appreciation: Your therapist will likely appreciate that you recognize their efforts in fitting you into their schedule. Feeling appreciated can be rewarding for therapists, as it reaffirms the value of their work.
Reassurance: The therapist may reassure you that it's okay to express your needs and concerns. They might emphasize that your well-being and comfort during therapy are essential and that they are there to support you.
Exploration of feelings: The therapist may explore with you the reasons behind your concern about being an inconvenience. They might help you understand and process any underlying thoughts or emotions related to this feeling.
Open dialogue: This kind of statement can open the door to a deeper discussion about your therapeutic relationship. The therapist might encourage you to share any other thoughts or feelings that you might be experiencing in the therapy process.
Remember that therapy is a collaborative effort, and your therapist is there to listen, support, and help you navigate through your emotions and challenges. Being honest and open with your therapist can foster a more meaningful and effective therapeutic experience.
If you're unsure about how your therapist might react to a specific statement, you can always bring it up during a therapy session and discuss it together. This can be a valuable opportunity to strengthen the therapeutic relationship and address any concerns you may have.