When a patient first enters the therapy room, he often tries to steer the session independently and without regard to the therapist's intended direction. This is perhaps a direct reflection of his own presenting pathology--his terror upon relinquishing control, his distrust of others, or some other underlying process that undermines the collaboration between him and his therapist.
As a new and less than confident clinician, I often let this pathology bulldoze a session. Then I gained a little knowledge, experience, and, well...arrogance, and I quickly (far too quickly) grabbed the reins. After all, I was the expert, the doctor whom the patient sought out after researching referrals, credentials, and such. So why shouldn't I steer the course toward psychological well being? Why? Because it doesn't work when one person commandeers the entire operation, that's why!
After I gained even more knowledge, experience, and a decent measure of humility, I began to appreciate the patient's perspective, not only to reveal mental illness, but also as a way of understanding his coping strategies, his personal strengths. It is through this early alignment with the patient's presenting style that a strong enough therapeutic alliance can be fostered to usher in emotional wellness.
My journey as a photographer has mirrored the journey I took as a clinician. During my first few sessions, the clients wanted very specific shots and certain looks and I delivered on cue. It felt awkward for me and didn't provide the images the clients truly wanted--like the ones in my portfolio, the content of which were specifically selected because they reflected MY style, the style to which the clients were attracted prior to engaging my services in the first place.
Having been through this as a psychologist, I was able to skip right over that middle stage of egomanical stampeding. I am now confident enough to voice my preference without silencing my clients' preferences. And I have to say that I'm thrilled by this collaborative process because it leaves both the photographer and the photographed relaxed and allows for the kind of creative output that I would not have been able to generate on my own.
I can't believe I get to do this! I can't believe that I get to create this kind of alliance and exist in the intimate space of others' families and the joy of childhood. When I became a full time stay-at-home mom, I didn't think I would be able to experience the privilege of entering people's lives like I did as a therapist, but here I am. In their space. And I'm loving it!
By the way, these photos have nothing to do with the text in this post. Stop your psychoanalyzing. Leave that to the experts! ;)
