Hello there! There’s been some talk lately about therapists being your best friend. Your therapist is probably amazing, very kind, supportive, and such a great listener. I would guess that they do not feel that different to your best friend. Both also know your darkest secrets and most vulnerable thoughts. But (sorry), your therapist can never be your friend. And that’s a good thing.
Lack of bias
Without bias, therapists can look at you as a separate individual, without any baggage attached. The therapist can then use interventions and techniques best suited for you, rather than what worked for someone else with a similar diagnosis. Being unbiased also helps you feel safe in therapy, regardless of your beliefs and identity.
Boundaries
The main job of the therapist is to keep their lives separate. Of course, they’ll tell you a few things about them. Like their pets, or a movie they watched, or a book. However, for the most part, they make sure to keep their problems and emotions to themselves. This allows for their full attention to be on you!
Training
Your therapists are all qualified professionals who have gone through years of education and training. It is mandatory to be in an accredited college and get a certain number of clinical hours as an intern before you can get your license. We also must continue to educate ourselves throughout our time being actively licensed
Consultation
To make sure we are providing the best care, we also consult with other therapists for advice on how to move forward. This helps us make sure we do not have any blind spots while working with you. Consultation also ensures that we are practicing ethically and within the limits of our profession.
Goals and collaboration
You and your therapist will work together to set goals for your time together. This is always done with your full knowledge. That ensures that you are fully aware and consenting to everything between you and your therapist.
Personal therapy
Therapists have their own therapists! If there’s any personal issues coming up for your therapist, they deal with it on their own. You do not have to worry about them, and you should not have to. It is a therapist’s job to show up for your session fully present for you. Personal therapy for the therapist helps them do just that.
Therapists offer you a warm and supportive space for your thoughts and feelings. While friends do the same, sometimes they have their own issues to navigate. Your therapist will be there for you, ready to listen and work on your issues.
Written by: Kirthana Devarakonda
