Would this ever happen w. a Therapist?

Question

Okay, Now I am aware of the Professional Relationship and Code of Ethics that a Therapist and Client can have with each other.

I know it is normal to feel transference...or mixed signals.

Wondering (well in the state of massachusetts) that if you decide to not see your therapist professionally and end that side of your relationship.....is it normal to ask to hang out as friends outside the office?

how long would that take in time to wait, i know that some states require months to years to contact each other nor see each other

it seems we are cool with each other, and especially being both females and the exact same age, that a friendship could develop in the future

or could this be totally taboo...yet i know her feelings would have to be mutual

Answer 1

If I were you I would not get involved with that individual. That person is a professional and irregardless of how you two feel it is not a good situation.  Not to mention, you put that persons professional license on the line. NOT COOL.  

Answer 2

O ya, you ask the easy questions ;)

This is  a treacherous road you want to take on and if you are smart you won't take it at all. I have had a friend for over 16 years who was my therapist, sometimes we go out for lunch, but most of the time we email.

I think if we were only email friends that would make life much more simple because I am always perplexed by the friendship I have with her. Is she my friend? If she is then how come I am outlawed  from her home? If she is my friend then why don't I know her very well? If she is my friend how come she still has all the power? etc etc etc

Then sometimes you want to talk like she's still your therapist, but she doesn't listen. And now she interrupts and says rude things sometimes too. Augghh enough to pull my hair out sometimes

Anyway, she and I have problems surrounding this and we annoy each other too at times. She thinks there should be a new name for therapists who become friends, because you never really become friends...

I would say, keep the friendship to emailing OK, best to keep it small. Expectations are tricky on both sides of the fence. Right now, you have ability to decide to do the wise thing, for the benefit of you both I hope that you do.

On the other hand I think, geez I wouldn't have traded my friendship with her for a penpal, she has meant too much to me.

Answer 3

Totally taboo. It is never proper. The effects of therapy last for the rest of the life of the patient, and the therapist can never be just another person to the analysand. There is no relationship outside of the transference.