Therapy for Therapists
You might wonder if your therapist has a therapist of their own, especially if you are thinking about starting or continuing therapy. This is a valid question that shows your concern for your therapist’s skills and mental health. In this article, I want to explain why many therapists choose to go to therapy themselves and how this can improve the quality of the service they offer to you.
Therapists are human beings
Therapists share the same human condition as you: face challenges, stresses, conflicts and emotions in their lives. They are not perfect, not omniscient and not endowed with supernatural abilities. They have their own histories, personalities, values and beliefs that shape their worldview and behavior. They also have their own vulnerabilities, blind spots, biases and limitations that may affect their work.
Therapists need support, sympathy, understanding and sometimes intervention from other professionals who can help them cope with their problems, develop their strengths, overcome their weaknesses and achieve their goals. Having their own therapist means that they care about their mental health, recognize their needs, and take responsibility for their role as a therapist.
Therapists are lifelong learners
Therapists are specialists who are constantly learning, improving their skills and expanding their knowledge. They are not limited to what they have learned in school or read in books. They also learn from their experiences, their colleagues and their clients. They keep up with the latest research, theories and practices in their field. They seek feedback, supervision and consultation from their peers and mentors. They engage in continuing education, training and certification programs.
Having their own therapist indicates that they are open to new ideas, ready for self-reflection and self-criticism, interested in professional growth and improving the quality of their services. It also means that they are aware of their own gaps, challenges and areas of improvement as a therapist. They use their own therapy as a way to enhance their clinical skills, increase their self-awareness and enrich their personal and professional development.
Therapists are relational beings
Therapists are interlocutors who establish trusting, empathetic and authentic relationships with their clients. They don’t just listen, analyze and give advice. They also share their thoughts, feelings and experiences when appropriate, showing their humanity, similarities and differences from you. They use their own personality, style and approach to connect with you and help you achieve your goals.
Having their own therapist means that they know what it’s like to be in your shoes, what it’s like to be a client, what it’s like to be vulnerable, to be brave, to collaborate, and to change. It also means that they have a safe and confidential space to explore their own issues, emotions and reactions that may arise from working with you and other clients. This helps them understand you better, be more sensitive to your needs, and be more effective in your treatment.
Conclusion
If your therapist sees their own therapist, it does not imply that they are incompetent, unprofessional, or unhealthy. On the contrary, it means that he or she cares about himself, herself, their profession, and you. I hope this article has helped you understand why many therapists seek their own therapy and how this can benefit you as a client. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me or your therapist. Thank you for your attention.