Is my therapist crossing boundaries?

I don't think the therapist was flirting. I think the comment about hand holding was more about her wanting you to be careful crossing the street, because she also mentioned that she has children of her own.

Hello! First of all, I'm sorry you got such useless answers to your question. Now, I'll answer it to the best of my knowledge. In my experience, it depends on what kind of therapy you're trying. When I had a CBT (cognitive behavioral) therapist it was common to express mutual feelings and interact outside of the office. On the other hand, when I tried psychoanalysis (and it's essential that you do) it was much more tense and distant; although you do end up developing a relationship with the psychoanalyst it's strictly within the confined space and time you spend with them in your sessions. Why don't you ask her about her line of therapy? Actually, I'm curious to know.

I think she was being friendly and kind, you're both female, that's not strange IMHO.

I went to a few counseling visits and the lady did mention some things about her to reflect off my situation. Not like she ranted about herself it was maybe one sentence but I feel she did it to make me feel less alone in the situation as a way to comfort me. Or put the subject off me for a second if I seemed hesitant. One thing tho she never touched me I’d feel weird cause like the room was always dark with one lamp between us so of she reached over to touch my hand I’d be like uhh wtf. Did try and comfort me with a box of tissues tho that’s as far as we got. Maybe she offered just to be nice and made the joke to get you to laugh. Not sure what crossing the boundaries are for therapists but if you don’t like her asking and it bothers you let her know.

I think she just genuinely cares and hopes he best outcome for you. I don’t see anything perverted about it. The hand holding thing is just a way that she is trying to connect with you and say @you can let it out and trust in me” that’s all that is. No different than a pastor doing it when you’re talking to them about a problem

Well yeah. Think about it. I’ll break it down for ya
Therapist - The-rapist
(The Rapist)

Course she’s crossing boundaries!

I think she is ok. You know, therapists probably suffer themselves, which determined them to choose this path of helping others. I think it's a small price to pay (to hear here and there a bit of stuff from their lives) for such a noble service. We are all humans and I think you should understand her and appreciate her efforts. After all, if you want something entirely objective, you'd have to deprive yourself of human contact, but that is the opposite of the nature of these services. The zone of helpfulness (hint: google it) is so hard to achieve in such situations. It's all fine, you can acquire some experience this way, which I find a healthy way to perceive the service you're receiving.

The touching seems unusual...Idk about whether it's allowable or not, I'll have to ask. I can see how for some people, it might just be in who they are to touch someone's hand to comfort them, but they should be aware of your comfort level.

Sharing about an abusive husband seems like a strange way to try to connect with a client. Seems like at least a small red flag to me.

Offering you a ride home is definitely not appropriate.

I'm not saying you should drop.her as a therapist, but it is something to be aware of in making your decision whether to continue or not. I know it can be hard to find a therapist you feel comfortable with.

Dear Penthouse...

Your therapist is behaving extremely inappropriately in flirting with you or touching you physically and she should find her own therapist if she wants to talk about her own personal problems: counselling time is YOUR time, not hers! I suggest you tell her so and find another therapist ASAP. If you don't feel you can confront her, then don't, just don't make another appointment with her.

Take no notice of the disbelievers on this site or elsewhere: I know for a fact that this does happen and it definitely should not.