On the Couch

So, I went to see my Didactic Therapist for our first 'real' session today. Before I go any further, let me explain. As a clinical psychology student, my school requires that I attend a minimun of a year and a half of individual psychotherapy. Which is great, because then I can pretend the only reason I'm in therapy is because I have to be. ;-) Anyway, back the first real session. So, I don't know about you, (all of my many readers, all of the still more who took lots of undergrad psychology,) but in undergrad psych classes I was told that no one actually psycho-analyzes anymore. As in, people may call themselves psycho-analysts and may even follow in the tradition of Freud, but no one actually does therapy the way Freud did. Well, all ye benighted psych students, I am here to tell you differently. Today I plopped down on the couch and, despite initial misunderstandings, was told to free-associate. As in, just say whatever comes into my head. No questions, no prompts, just say whatever you want, and take it wherever it takes you. My analyst (I'm not sure if therapist is the right word) kindly assured me, however, taht I won't have to lay down on the couch 'until I'm ready.' Fabulous. Before you know it, all I'm goign to be able to think about is having sex with my dad. Ummm, can I just say, Ewww? Ewwwwwww.
Admittedly, though, I think this method may have some positives. For the first time in my therapeutic life, I had to think Really Hard while I was at therapy. She didn't give me anything. Instead, it was I who analyzed my thoughts and behavior and I who interpretted my childhood. We already have a working symbol of my growing-up years, so I guess that's progress, right? Anyway, I hope this works. I hate changing therapists, it's the worst. But I think it will, if I can ever get over the fact that I will probably eventually have to say 'penis' in her office.