Stephanie Law, Psy.D. - Moments of Meaning 2.0 - Can Therapists Love their Clients?

“Do you love me?” Psychologist Stephanie Law explores her thoughts, feelings, and how she responded to a client asking this sincere, vulnerable question.

[@deborahbuckwalter1428]

What a lovely example of how a safe and caring therapeutic relationship can lead to insight and healing. Thank you for sharing this, Stephanie.

[@whoami1654]

Wow what a brave client to ask this question.

[@ilovedyoubananakin]

We must always find something to love about our clients. Love is not inherently sexual, it’s compassionate.

[@alenastead5583]

I admire you courage and vulnerability, the depth you allow your self to be human

[@ladytube64]

Thank you for this...

[@222radar]

That was really moving

[@melissabollmanartaboutart9787]

Thank you

[@yehudaweisbord5186]

beautiful. Thank you for sharing this story.

[@cnmxproductions11]

But you never answered the question. You made her think of your answer. Therapists are taught, subconsciously, to be manipulative. They are.

[@debwenninger271]

Well done...

[@remopkr198]

humanity is greater than phycology

[@acruzp]

The vocal fry though...

[@sparrowbarnesmusic5864]

Well you never even answered the question. Because you chose not to say because in reality its all about the money. Not love or genuine care. Clients are just a file you put back in the cabinet after the hour. Then onto the next client for more money. Its a cold hard uncaring environment.

[@writtenIntheskys]

No, she doesn’t. You are just another client.

[@elissa3188]

Why did you feel the need to write this?

[@FreudaliciousMind]

If you're a good therapist, you are moved by all your patients. We have at least compassion, and sometimes many other feelings. How else could we tolerate the intensity of this work? Or even care?

[@Daniela-gz9ky]

Money

[@xyz10000ify]

@@elissa3188 Probably because it's an honest (if incomplete) response.

[@xyz10000ify]

@@FreudaliciousMind All true, but that's not love, not in the sense the patient meant. Which is fine, of course. Love probably shouldn't factor into this kind of relationship.

[@andrewskater8813]

The word love is so misunderstood it should not be used by therapists. Most people understand love to be idealisation, unconditional acceptance. Do we accept a person unconditionally? No.