Idk if I was one of the comments people interpreted as having problematic views on therapy, but just in case I wanted to clarify that that was not my intention AT ALL! The reason I was concerned the therapist might not be comfortable is just because honor names are typically given for friends and family, and because a relationship with a therapist is different, though certainly not less important or something that should be hidden or downplayed, it could have potentially made them feel weird about it. Though in general I’d say I’m in favor of asking ANYONE you’re honoring before using an honor name, unless you have no doubts that they would be comfortable with it.
I agree that it’s important to be open about therapy even if not everyone else is accepting of it, and have been very personally affected by a therapist myself, so I definitely think it would be a great tribute!
I think @Harvest-Endellion is saying, and I 100% see what she is saying, is that there maybe wasn’t a flat out comment re: therapy but there seems to be an undertone of it through saying it would be odd to use an honor name from a therapist. The question then becomes: why do you think it’s odd? Would you consider it odd if the name was after the doctor who delivered her? Or maybe a midwife who helped through the pregnancy? Or a friend I had from many years ago who had a huge impact on me/my life? I realize that a therapist is none of these things; she’s a therapist. But ultimately, an honor name is an honor name and I guess I’m just curious if you’d say it was odd if the honor name was after someone else NOT a therapist or if you feel it’s odd because it is a therapist (and why that might be). I’m totally fine and just appreciate the feedback but if you’re comfortable sharing why you feel it’s odd, I’m also happy to read that! I am not upset or hurt, and I think the discussion is great and exactly what I was hoping for. I’m aware that not everyone will agree, but I do think it’s helpful to understand why so I can ponder it!
I think naming your baby after a therapist who had a profound impact on you is such an absolutely wonderful and lovely idea. It would never have occurred to me that some would find that odd, and I’m honestly surprised.
If I found out I was named after an impactful therapist of one of my parents, I would be overjoyed by the meaning. For me personally, it would be a much more meaningful honor than a great-great uncle or aunt or any other relation I’d never met.
Thanks! I don’t think anyone’s character was being attacked. I think that there was an undertone of judgement regarding the fact that this would be an honor of my therapist and people were concerned about that, and stated so in their own responses. I’ve been very open to any feedback and have asked if you’re comfortable sharing your explanation for saying it would be odd, and you’ve declined which is totally your choice. However, I don’t find it unreasonable for people to convey concern/disdain for the undertone of judgement, particularly without some kind of explanation which could totally eliminate the undertone issue. You’ve said people are comparing apples to oranges in some of the other honor name comments but you’re not explaining why, to you, it is comparing apples to oranges. I don’t believe anyone is here to argue but a healthy discussion is helpful. I agree with you that this doesn’t have to be something to lament over but ultimately, this is a baby’s name and I’m trying to get feedback on it. In that regard, it is something to lament over because it is such an important thing and the feedback I receive is important. Clearly we’re all on this forum because we care about naming! I respect you not wanting to continue the discussion on your end and hope that you can see where this did evoke concerned responses from others.
Seconding — but I feel like this only really applies if you’re currently seeing that therapist, which obviously isn’t an issue for you! If you were a current client, that would be a different story — my mom is a therapist and I know there’s certain rules about boundaries in and out of therapy, but I think since so many years have passed, you’re good
