I have mentioned the fact that during my initial therapy sessions with Dr. Romero for treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder or OCD, I found her to be rather strict and at times severe. I had my doubts about whether or not we were a fit, but I kept on going to the therapy sessions. The decision was made by me that I would stick it out and would just have to deal with her personality. I even began to think that she didn't like me.
There were times when I thought she was wrong on a few things and called her on it, albeit in a very polite way. She took it well, and did not seem offended, and I respected her for it. During those times I realized that she wasn't so bad after all.
Very gradually I began to notice a slight thawing out on her part. We would occasionally make small talk and that really helped me to perceive her as just a regular person, who incidentally wore the same type of shoes that I wore. We certainly talked about that topic a few times. There were moments when we actually laughed together.
My therapist is from a Spanish speaking country, and because I speak that language I would sometimes talk to her in it. She became much more real then, and I enjoyed practicing my Spanish with her, and still do to this day.
Things have changed tremendously now. I almost think of her as a friend, who is my guide. Out therapy sessions are still therapy sessions, but there is a warmth in the air and empathy emanates from her. Once I told her about a very poignant time in my life and she was so moved. It was written all over her face. Here is a genuine, kind, humane person I thought.
Of course you cannot really be friends with your therapist but that does not mean that the both of can't have warm feelings towards each other. It is a good thing, and is what makes us human.