1. Therapists are Trained Professionals
Therapists are like the mental health version of personal trainers. They’ve been trained in knowledge about human behavior, emotions, and mental health. They know the ins and outs of what makes us tick and have the tools to help us tackle serious issues. Friends, no matter how wise, don’t have this level of training. Their advice is well-meaning but not backed by the same depth of knowledge.
2. They Provide an Objective and Unbiased Perspective
A therapist’s job is to be objective and unbiased. They don’t have a stake in your everyday life, which means they can offer a perspective that your friends might not. Friends often try to protect our feelings and might hesitate to tell us hard truths. A therapist, on the other hand, is there to help us grow and will gently challenge us when needed.
3. Therapists Offer Confidentiality and a Safe Space
When you talk to a therapist, everything you say stays in the room. They’re bound by confidentiality, so you can trust that your secrets are safe. Friends, even with the best intentions, might accidentally let something slip or share your story with someone else. Therapy offers a private space where you can open up without worrying about gossip.
4. They Know How to Manage Emotional Boundaries
Therapists are experts at managing emotional boundaries. They’re trained to handle the emotional load of their clients without getting personally involved. Friends, however, might find it hard to separate your pain from their own, which can strain your relationship. Therapy ensures that your emotional needs don’t overwhelm your personal connections.
5. Long-Term Support and Progress
In therapy, you set goals and track your progress over time. It’s about making real, lasting changes. Friends can offer support, but they’re not equipped to help you measure and maintain progress in the same way. Therapists are there for the long haul, helping you navigate through your journey.
We need friends as they are an invaluable part of our support system. They offer love, empathy, and a listening ear when we need it most. But therapy provides something different—professional expertise, objective insights, and a structured approach to healing and growth. If you’re facing tough times, consider reaching out to a therapist.
We understand that some people’s experience of therapy may not be as what we described above and that is truly disappointing and discouraging. We want to assure you that therapy is supposed to be all of the things above. If you have been through a disappointing therapy experience, you can read more about what to do here.
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.