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Just thought I would seek some opinions here (hope this is the right forum). I have a male friend, much younger than me, who I care about (STRICTLY FRIENDSHIP). He is married, I am married and much older so just setting things straight here from the get-go. This friend has a lot of issues, both physical and mental. He has just decided to start seeing a therapist, the first few sessions which are covered by insurance from his job. This therapist is female.
OK, here is my concern. Because the nature of things he wants to discuss with the therapist is personal, I don't ask him exactly what they talk about. However, he has only seen her twice, but mentions how much he likes her, and how she is really "boosting his ego" whatever that means. That sounds kind of weird to me. I thought he needed guidance as to his various health issues (and emotional ones). I am an intuitive person, and it seems to send red flags up. But I admit I don't know much about psychotherapy. He told me he had had some sessions with her in the past, and that he really liked her and felt comfortable with her.
Can anyone with experience weigh in here? Does this sound normal (ego-boosting). Is that what therapists do? He does have a lot of self-esteem issues but it still just doesn't quite compute for me. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Part of the process can entail validating and normalizing feelings, then assisting the patient in making reasonable decisions. It's not just about advice. "Ego-boosting" could be his interpretation of that.