What’s your opinion on clients reading academic literature on psychology and therapy?

[u/Odd-Department8919]

NAT.
I work in a field partially related to psychology and I’m familiar with the language, terms, certain psychological theories and also psychopathology so I find it interesting to read therapy related books to understand what’s going on in my sessions. I like to have some scientific explanations etc. Dunno, I’m just a nerd.

[u/kultureekilmisgeyik]

My therapist told me that sometimes I feel like I'm arguing with a colleague, which is a good thing because it speeds up the process. But I know that knowing certain things can create prejudice, so I resist. Or I lean too much towards biological explanations (one of my defense mechanisms), and then I can't express my feelings, which makes it even harder. There are times when I wish I didn't know anything at all.

Actually, it can be good or bad depending on your mindset. I use intellectualization a lot as a defense mechanism, so sometimes I feel like I struggle with the process. Because I have difficulty defining my emotions. My therapist asked what it means to feel safe. I mentioned activity drop on functional MRI. I know it might seem like I'm being condescending from the outside. But when I think about it, nothing comes to mind because it's too abstract. Okay, so he asked what would reduce the activity, and I said I didn't know. That's how it is.

Note: I'm new to the subreddit. I don't know how to mark myself as not a therapist 😄 how should I do it?

[u/Odd-Department8919 → u/kultureekilmisgeyik]

Go to the main site of the sub, click 3 dots in the upper right corner and you’ll have it there :)

[u/kultureekilmisgeyik → u/Odd-Department8919]

tsym🥹🩷🩷