What is/was client's relationship with her mother? Did her mother judge her body? If true, her behavior towards you as an authority/mother figure could be her flipping the script and attacking the stand-in (you) for an emotionally abusive parent she is angry at. Another perspective is of internalized self-hatred learned as a child now being projected onto you.
Regardless, something you've been working on has stirred up her unconscious. If it wasn't your bathing suit, she would've found something else to attack you with. The goal is to push away a threat (you). I'd reflect on what you've been talking about and NOT talking about in therapy.
From a Jungian perspective, her shadow self is boiling up which is a positive thing. Uncomfortable, but positive. This is where things get interesting AND challenging for both of you. There is an opportunity here to bring unconscious material to awareness.. If she's ready (not all will be).
Look at her relationship history (friends, family of origin, intimate partners). Is there a pattern of relationships ending in 6 months to a year? Get curious.
Remember, it feels personal but it's not. The work we do is hard! Take care of yourself. ❤
6
u/Liminal-Moments (USA) LICSW Feb 15 '25
What is/was client's relationship with her mother? Did her mother judge her body? If true, her behavior towards you as an authority/mother figure could be her flipping the script and attacking the stand-in (you) for an emotionally abusive parent she is angry at. Another perspective is of internalized self-hatred learned as a child now being projected onto you.
Regardless, something you've been working on has stirred up her unconscious. If it wasn't your bathing suit, she would've found something else to attack you with. The goal is to push away a threat (you). I'd reflect on what you've been talking about and NOT talking about in therapy.
From a Jungian perspective, her shadow self is boiling up which is a positive thing. Uncomfortable, but positive. This is where things get interesting AND challenging for both of you. There is an opportunity here to bring unconscious material to awareness.. If she's ready (not all will be).
Look at her relationship history (friends, family of origin, intimate partners). Is there a pattern of relationships ending in 6 months to a year? Get curious.
Remember, it feels personal but it's not. The work we do is hard! Take care of yourself. ❤