I told my therapist that I put too much attention on him and....?

Question

Lately I've been thinking too much about him and I also told him that this was bothering me.I texted all these on the phone and also told him that I was sorry I couldn't control my feelings and I really found it absurd how I felt about him.I offered seeing him less than usual.And he told me it was normal because he was the one whom I saw the most and these feelings were thus normal.
In the beggining I thought I was in love with him,but then I thought it was a silly idea because I don't know him,but now I can't explain this feeling,I just think too much about him and I am really sick of it.I put too much meaning on him.Do you think it was a wrong idea to tell him the truth???The last session was really hard for me though....What should I do?Is this a common thing?

Answer 1

This is a common phenomenon, known as "transference", and therapists, psychologists and other mental health professionals are trained to deal with it. Don't let it interfere with your therapy; experience the emotions, be honest about them, and work through them. For more on transference, see the wikilink below.

Answer 2

What you are experiencing is completely normal. It's called transference. Because of the nature of your relationship with your therapist (how open and intimate about youir private life you must be) beginning to rely on him for more than just strictly therapy is to be expected. You did the right thing by telling him how you feel. Obviously he doesn't think it has gone that far yet or he would've suggested you transfer to someone else. By the code of ethics he would have too. Your feelings will most likely fade with time, you and your therapist may explore and work on them together, but if they get stronger or you truely believe this is a hinderance to your therapy and well being you can ask to be transfered to someone else

Answer 3

I believe that it is fairly common. Be thankful you have an ethical therapist. I think that this type of problem is the type of problem people can use to manage and work through difficult situations. It is a learning opportunity and I think you should see it as that. It would be very unethical to become involved in any way with your therapist. That would be called having a dual relationship and it is forbidden by the American Psychological Assoc. Ethical Practices. However, these feelings are good to work through with him until you feel comfortable and it will teach you methods for working with difficult situations with others in a safe environment. That is what therapy is for. Good luck and I wish you the best!

Answer 4

You may be experiencing "transference," which is term coined by Sigmund Freud. It is actually quite common for patients to think they have fallen in love with their therapists. This happens when you transfer feelings for a significant person in your life (such as a parent) onto the therapist. In the hands of a skilled and reputable therapist, transference can be helpful to the therapeutic process.

Answer 5

Most people who see a Therapist come away from the experience worse off then when they started.