Ideals in Question  Exploring values in psychotherapeutic
culture  The Stranger in the Waiting Room  The infinite value of
the other   Let’s say you’ve made a habit of arriving at therapy
10 minutes before the hour begins. You use the extra time to
luxuriate in relaxation and solitary reflection…maybe grab a
magazine to help relax and assuage your anxiety. But wait, you
have forgotten one thing. There’s a recurring force that’s been
interrupting your peace. For the past 6 weeks, from 5 to 8
minutes till the hour, a stranger has has been arriving,
intruding on your space, in order to wait for his therapist. Per
usual, he takes a seat across from you, disheveled with the
aroma of cigarrette smoke. Worse, he exhibits a harsh clearing
of his throat every 10 to 12 seconds. You are repelled.
Nevertheless, you decide to “make the best of it,” and see if
making contact with him might help him achieve a more pleasant
demeanor. You give him a slight nod and say “hello.” No
response. As if you didn’t exist. And he heard