I've gone to two different therapists within the last three weeks... The first therapist I saw was really nice and tried to be helpful, but something about her facial expressions made me really uncomfortable. Her facial expressions seemed, I don't know...I guess they seemed really over exaggerated. As someone with Social Anxiety Disorder, I'm very observant and read a lot into other people's facial expressions, gestures, etc... So, naturally (in a way) I felt a bit judged by her. I just figured she wasn't the right therapist for me, so I went to a different one. This new therapist made a lot of facial expressions too, in fact....they were even more exaggerated then my previous therapist's expressions. She seemed like she was in pain or something....I literally wanted to reach over and ask if she was okay. I suppose this is some kind of technique that therapists and counselors use with patients as a way of saying: "I'm listening, and I am very concerned"...but to me, it's a bit unnerving. I'm not saying that I want someone who just sits there, numb, expressionless and completely unresponsive, but as the same time I don't want someone who looks like there auditioning for a Theatre Class. I have an older sister who went to therapy years ago, and she says that she doesn't recall her therapist making a lot of facial expressions. She recalls him making a few here and there, but still not "a lot" to where it bothered her.
Is this something common among therapists and counselors or have I just not found the "right one"?
Answers are greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance....
Is this something common among therapists and counselors or have I just not found the "right one"?
Answers are greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance....