The Truth About Therapy: 10 Things Your Therapist Wishes You Knew

Making the decision to see a therapist can be scary and intimidating. However, seeking professional help for personal growth and healing is an incredibly brave decision. Unfortunately, the fear of the unknown and a lack of understanding regarding the therapeutic process often prevent individuals from seeking the help they need and desire. In this article, we explore 10 things therapists wish you knew before starting therapy.

1. We wish we could be as blunt as Dr. Phil.

As therapists, we are trained to be non-judgmental and non-offensive. However, honesty is essential to facilitate change. We understand that good old-fashioned “in your face” truth can be the best way to get through to someone. Yet, we have to balance this approach with sensitivity and care, so you keep coming back.

2. We have our own problems, and you can benefit from them.

Therapists are human, and we experience life’s ups and downs just like everyone else. Having faced and overcome our own personal struggles, we can offer empathy and successful problem-solving skills. Though we won’t share our life stories, we can still help by sharing our experiences.

3. You should want us to talk about you…in private.

Collaborating with colleagues and mentors to brainstorm new ideas or solve complex cases is an essential component of clinical practice. When we talk about your case to others (in a confidential manner), it often leads to new insights and ideas that can help you in the long run.

4. We don’t always know the perfect solution.

As much as we would like to solve all your problems, we don’t always have the answer. There is a limit to our expertise. If we recognize that your situation is beyond our abilities, we will refer you to a more qualified colleague. Remember, as therapists, our primary concern is your well-being and healing, not our egos.

5. We are not in it for the money.

While some practitioners make a significant income, at the end of the day, most helping professionals choose their career paths out of a desire to help others. We invest a tremendous amount of time, effort, and money to qualify for our roles. We are here to help, regardless of compensation.

6. We do care about you.

Our training emphasizes the importance of being objective, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t empathetic. We genuinely care about our clients and want to help them navigate their issues. It’s not easy to sit across from you day after day and witness your pain and suffering, but we do so because we want to help.

7. Not all of us are good at what we do.

Unfortunately, there are therapists out there who are not qualified to provide appropriate counseling. These individuals may lack proper training and credentials, or they may have entered the field for the wrong reasons. It’s up to you to do your homework and ensure that your therapist is the right fit.

8. It may take several tries to find the right therapist for you.

Not every therapist and client match is perfect on the first try. Therapy should be slightly uncomfortable because discomfort breeds change, but that refers to the process, not the therapist. If anything about your therapist’s beliefs or approach makes you uneasy, talk about it. A good therapist will welcome this discussion, and if not, it’s time to move on.

9. You may not be ready for therapy at the moment.

There is no point in attending therapy if you are not ready to change. It’s important to be sure you are working with the right therapist at the right time. Nothing aggravates therapists more than clients who aren’t fully honest or invested in their therapy. Your healing process depends on your willingness to commit.

10. A lot of this information should be shared with you upfront.

During your first session, your therapist should explain the process, provide reasons for why they ask certain initial questions, and answer your concerns. A good therapist will take their time to ease your worries as you begin your journey towards personal achievement.

In conclusion, seeking therapy is a brave step towards healing and growth. Therapists are there to facilitate your success, but they are human and cannot work miracles alone. Successful therapy is defined by genuine commitment, willful self-exploration, and meaningful communication.