It's challenging to determine whether your therapist's response was typical without knowing the full context of your therapeutic relationship and the specific conversation that took place. However, I can provide some general insights that might help you understand potential reasons behind your therapist's response.
Focus on Client's Needs: Therapists are trained to prioritize their clients' needs and concerns during therapy sessions. If you brought up the topic of the therapeutic relationship, your therapist might have perceived it as an indication that you might be experiencing some discomfort or uncertainty in the therapeutic process. In response, they might have attempted to redirect the focus back to you and your feelings, rather than engaging in a lengthy discussion about the therapeutic relationship itself.
Transference and Countertransference: The therapeutic relationship is a complex dynamic, and sometimes clients' feelings towards their therapist (transference) and the therapist's feelings towards the client (countertransference) can come into play. By emphasizing that it's the therapist's role to consider such matters, they may have been acknowledging the potential impact of these dynamics while also ensuring that the therapeutic focus remains on you.
Therapist's Personal Boundaries: Some therapists may have personal boundaries about discussing the therapeutic relationship directly with their clients, especially if they believe it could disrupt the client's progress or create confusion. They might prefer to handle these topics in supervision or with colleagues, to ensure they respond appropriately and ethically.
Timing and Progress: Therapists might also consider the timing of such discussions. If you are early in your therapeutic journey, your therapist might feel it's more appropriate to address your immediate concerns and challenges before exploring the dynamics of the therapeutic relationship.
It's essential to communicate openly with your therapist about how you feel in the therapeutic relationship. If you still have concerns about your therapist's response, it could be helpful to discuss your feelings with them in your next session. Effective therapy requires a strong therapeutic alliance, built on trust and mutual understanding, so discussing your thoughts and feelings about the therapy process is an essential part of the therapeutic journey. If you feel consistently unheard or dismissed, and your concerns remain unaddressed, you might consider discussing these issues or seeking a second opinion from another mental health professional.