It's completely understandable to have strong feelings and thoughts about your therapist, especially if you value the therapeutic relationship and the time spent together. However, it's essential to address these feelings and communicate honestly with your therapist to ensure that your therapy remains focused on your needs and goals.
Here are some steps you can take to talk to your therapist about your thoughts and feelings:
Acknowledge Your Feelings: It's okay to have these feelings, and there's no need to feel ashamed or embarrassed about them. Remember that therapy is a safe space to explore and process your emotions.
Choose the Right Time: Find a suitable time during your therapy session to discuss this issue. You may want to bring it up at the beginning or toward the end of the session when you have enough time to discuss it thoroughly.
Be Open and Honest: When talking to your therapist, be honest about what you've been experiencing. Share your feelings of exhaustion and how much you've been thinking about her. Let her know that it's affecting you and that you'd like to work through it together.
Clarify Boundaries: It's crucial to understand and respect the professional boundaries in the therapeutic relationship. Express that you are aware that the feelings are not of a romantic nature but more about the therapeutic connection.
Explore the Feelings: Your therapist will likely encourage you to explore why you might be feeling this way. It could be related to certain aspects of the therapy process, past experiences, or unresolved issues.
Set Goals: Discuss with your therapist what you hope to achieve by addressing these thoughts and feelings. This could involve finding coping strategies to manage the intensity of these thoughts or refocusing on specific therapeutic goals.
Trust the Process: Remember that therapy is a journey, and these feelings can be worked through. Trust in the therapeutic process and be open to exploring these emotions to gain a deeper understanding of yourself.
Consider Therapist's Perspective: Your therapist is trained to handle such discussions and is likely to respond with empathy and understanding. They will be mindful of how this might impact you and the therapeutic relationship.
Seek Additional Support if Needed: If these feelings are causing significant distress, you might consider seeking additional support from a different therapist or counselor. They can help you navigate these emotions and any potential impact on your current therapeutic relationship.
Remember that it's entirely normal to develop strong feelings of attachment to a therapist, especially when you find therapy helpful and supportive. The therapeutic relationship can be a powerful force for healing, and discussing your thoughts and emotions with your therapist can lead to a deeper level of self-awareness and growth.