I Need Therapy
Session 21:
[big]A positive step in the right direction (possibly)...[/big]
"So, you mentioned you had a request when you called for this appointment...?"
"Yeah... I was kind of wondering... if... you know... maybe it would be a good idea for me to... I don't know... like be part of a group therapy... or something."
"Hmmm"
"You know on account of it would give some sense of... well... like there would be people who maybe I could relate to."
"How did you come up with this? Is this what you want to do?"
"You don't think it's a good idea?"
"Actually, I do think it's a good idea. Honestly, I'm surprised you want to do something like group therapy..."
"You mean because of how seriously introverted I am?"
"Well, no. It's just that you often don't seem interested in opening up about what's on your mind... so... I am a little concerned how you will do it in a group setting. You can't just sit there, you know. Each individual has a responsibility... and obligation... to contribute to the group. And, you can't expect the group to be responsible for coaxing you to talk like I often do. Plus you have to attend the group sessions regularly, not just whenever you feel like it. I actually think it's another sign of progress that you are even thinking along these terms. I just want to be sure it's what you really want to do. How did you arrive at this idea?"
"It sounds like you are shooting the idea down... is what it sounds like."
"No, not at all. I even have a group in mind for you. I just want to know if this is just a sudden whim or if you have put thought into it, so..."
"I obviously thought about if I am making the request."
"Why are so defensive about this? Tell me a little about your thinking process for wanting to join a group therapy session."
"I don't know... I mean... I guess since I am so seriously introverted, being in a group could help me... you know because I won't feel so out-of-control alone."
"Again, I like the idea. And, I actually have a new group that will be starting up in 2 weeks. I have been holding off until I had the 5th person... which would be you. I need your commitment that you are committed to this. We will talk about the ground rules of the group at our first meeting, but basically you have to come to the meetings and you have to participate. Why don't you think it over to be sure this is what you want. And, let me know. I will be excited to include you in the group; if you change your mind though I will be just as excited to continue our sessions here. Either way, I think this is a positive step in the right direction. Okay?"
"Yeah... I guess."
"Okay, great. So I will be expecting you to let me know."
"Okay, I will let you know."
[big]A positive step in the right direction (possibly)...[/big]
"So, you mentioned you had a request when you called for this appointment...?"
"Yeah... I was kind of wondering... if... you know... maybe it would be a good idea for me to... I don't know... like be part of a group therapy... or something."
"Hmmm"
"You know on account of it would give some sense of... well... like there would be people who maybe I could relate to."
"How did you come up with this? Is this what you want to do?"
"You don't think it's a good idea?"
"Actually, I do think it's a good idea. Honestly, I'm surprised you want to do something like group therapy..."
"You mean because of how seriously introverted I am?"
"Well, no. It's just that you often don't seem interested in opening up about what's on your mind... so... I am a little concerned how you will do it in a group setting. You can't just sit there, you know. Each individual has a responsibility... and obligation... to contribute to the group. And, you can't expect the group to be responsible for coaxing you to talk like I often do. Plus you have to attend the group sessions regularly, not just whenever you feel like it. I actually think it's another sign of progress that you are even thinking along these terms. I just want to be sure it's what you really want to do. How did you arrive at this idea?"
"It sounds like you are shooting the idea down... is what it sounds like."
"No, not at all. I even have a group in mind for you. I just want to know if this is just a sudden whim or if you have put thought into it, so..."
"I obviously thought about if I am making the request."
"Why are so defensive about this? Tell me a little about your thinking process for wanting to join a group therapy session."
"I don't know... I mean... I guess since I am so seriously introverted, being in a group could help me... you know because I won't feel so out-of-control alone."
"Again, I like the idea. And, I actually have a new group that will be starting up in 2 weeks. I have been holding off until I had the 5th person... which would be you. I need your commitment that you are committed to this. We will talk about the ground rules of the group at our first meeting, but basically you have to come to the meetings and you have to participate. Why don't you think it over to be sure this is what you want. And, let me know. I will be excited to include you in the group; if you change your mind though I will be just as excited to continue our sessions here. Either way, I think this is a positive step in the right direction. Okay?"
"Yeah... I guess."
"Okay, great. So I will be expecting you to let me know."
"Okay, I will let you know."
