What did my shrink mean by this? Was he calling me a ?

Question

He said I'm too hard on myself and should give myself give myself more positive talk. Then he said I should also learn to accept my faults more, and say "I'm a piece of sh*t. We all have sh*t and no one's is better or worse than another's."

But what kind of way is that to "help" your patient? Was he saying on the sly that he thinks I'm a piece of sh*t?!

Answer 1

I think it's possible that he is saying that to show you how hurtful it is.  If you say it to yourself you are hurting yourself, too.  It is also a ridiculous statement.  If you are saying it to mean, "I am worthless."  Think about it.  How would you know your worth?  I think he's saying we all have strengths and weaknesses and it's hard (impossible, really) to know who is worse than whom.  

Since it's impossible to determine and hurtful, try telling yourself things that are more positive and helpful.  "I'm trying to be a better person."  "I am a good listener."  

Answer 2

he was not saying that he thinks you are a piece of $hit,he was saying that you think you are a piece of $hit and you need to stop being so hard and thinking negatively of yourself.you need to focus on your strong points and work them to your advantage.one at a time.you have several good qualities,you just don't think so.

Answer 3

I think I would have been very upset to have someone say this to me. I would be horrified that they could consider such communication would be acceptable to me. I would also disrespect his professionalism for these words irrespective of the principle he may have been trying to convey. btw if you do have issues regarding yourself then google a short piece called Desiderata. It might help you a lot with this & it won't cost you a penny!  I would also consider whether or not you need paying someone for this type of ****. Regards UK

Answer 4

If he had invited you to say: "I am a wonderful, lovable person", you would have denied it & would have continued to be negative about yourself.

Now you are protesting inside being sure you no piece of sh*t at all.

Your therapist said something provocative & it worked.

Good luck. Don't take sh*t from anybody, specially not from yourself.