Have you seen that social media post about calling your therapist to find out who your grandtherapist is? Grandtherapist?! Say what now? When we think of therapy, our minds often just go right to individuals or couples, like the everyday people in our lives. But what about the therapists themselves? It may come as a surprise to some that therapists also go to therapy. In fact, it is not only common but essential for their well-being and professional effectiveness. After all, therapists are human, too.
We’ve heard that some people are uncomfortable with the idea of their therapist going to therapy so we are here to help share the reasons why therapy for therapists is important and hopefully this is helpful for those with discomfort or doubt:
1. Therapists are not immune to personal struggles. They, too, face life’s challenges such as loss, relationship issues, anxiety and stress, and personal trauma. Like anyone else, they benefit from going to therapy to explore and process these things.
A therapist who is actively engaged in their own healing process is likely to be more empathetic, understanding, and effective in helping their clients. They bring a depth of personal experience and authenticity to their work that can be impactful.
2. Therapists spend their days listening to and helping others navigate through some of the most challenging and emotionally charged issues in their lives. While therapists are trained to handle these issues professionally, they are still human. The emotional toll of constantly being exposed to others’ distress can be significant.
Attending their own therapy allows therapists to process these emotional experiences. It provides a safe space for them to offload the emotional burdens they carry from their work. This act of self-care prevents burnout or compassion fatigue, which is very real in the healthcare industry, and helps them ensure they remain effective and compassionate in their roles.
3. Did you know that therapists going to therapy is a requirement for some grad school programs? Therapists need to sort their stuff out so that it doesn’t show up in sessions with their clients. Personal therapy helps therapists to deepen their self-awareness. Therapists need to be acutely aware of their own biases, emotions, and triggers to provide the best care for their clients.
Another reason is that experiencing therapy firsthand helps therapists to stay grounded in the realities of the therapeutic process. It allows them to experience therapy from the client’s perspective, which can be incredibly insightful. They can learn to appreciate the courage it takes for clients to seek help and the vulnerability involved in sharing personal issues. This perspective can enhance their empathy and improve their practice.
When therapists attend therapy, they are practicing what they preach. It sends a powerful message that mental health care is important for everyone, regardless of their profession. It helps to reduce the stigma around seeking therapy, showing that even those who provide care need care themselves.
By being open about their own therapy journeys, therapists can encourage others to seek help without shame or fear of judgment. It normalizes the idea that therapy is an act of self-care, not just a last resort for those in crisis.
Therapy for therapists is not only normal but necessary. It helps them in so many ways. If you’re considering therapy and wondering if your therapist has ever been in your shoes, we hope the answer is yes— and that’s a good thing.
Written by Weii Yie
Weii Yie is an associate therapist at ABRI where she primarily provides therapy to adults and adolescents. Her love for writing and passion for mental health are translated into these blog posts. Read more about who she is as a therapist on the Team page.