This type of dynamic can occur in an ongoing counseling relationship, too. There are individuals who use their counseling session as a way to "dump" just enough emotional garbage to take the edge off. Kind of like a pressure cooker. You let out a little steam, and things settle down for awhile. But, of course the pressure builds up again. Nothing has really changed in the conditions causing the pressure build-up.
The client becomes uncomfortable again, shows up for their counseling session and dumps just enough to ease the pressure once again. I call them a "Pi#% and Moan" session. There's little motivation to push onward and take the difficult steps required in making significant changes.
We all have our own pace for healing. We come with a similar concern, but can bring many different items to the table depending on our upbringing, exposure to trauma, abuse, etc. Our problem solving, coping styles can have an impact. For example, the day is very hot and there's a beautiful swimming pool available at the clubhouse. I could just go jump right in and take what comes as far as temperature, comfort, etc. My sons and exH would do that. Not me!
I'm a stick my toe into the cold water and enter it gradually when I go swimming. I have to try it out a few steps at a time. Maybe back off. Then try again, going a little further the next time. Or I may chose to leave the darn pool and say "Swimming in a cold pool...no matter how hot the day....is just not worth the discomfort it causes."
I think it can be a thin line between respecting others' timing related to change vs. enabling others to dump and run. We don't always know everything that someone brings with them to the MB forum. What looks "right" or "correct" or the best path for me may not be the healthiest action for someone else....at least not at that particular time.
I can offer my opinion, feeling, belief, etc., but I don't make the final decision for anyone as to whether or not it's helpful. We are all adults here. This is an open, public forum. It invites all types of people and their styles to participate. It's up to me to decide whether or not it's a helpful forum for me. Or, to decide that some people may be helpful, but I'll block others who seem ignorant or abusive in nature. It's up to me to decide if I want to continue to give feedback to someone who seems to exhibit little interest in making change.
As a physician LM can tell someone what's medically wrong based on his personal and professional knowledge and experience. He can't, however, control how the individual responds, anymore than we on this forum can. Denial? Anger? Fear? Panic? Relief? Jumps right into making a plan. Puts it off. etc. etc. Does he continue to see the patient who doesn't follow his advice? Does the patient physician "hop" until they find one who agrees with them?
That's up to the individual to decide.
