Every Therapist Needs A Therapist
Let’s first think about what talk therapy entails - helping people of all ages live happier, healthier and more productive lives.
We listen for content while piecing together the patterns of our client’s thoughts and behaviours so we can make them aware of their subconscious attitudes and beliefs. We are brought into their lives to know their most private, intimate moments and attempt to relate while remaining objective; this is no small task. In order to do this appropriately, we must master our own
emotions
so we can identify with our clients in the right way.
As rewarding as doing therapy can be, it can also be socially isolating and emotionally tolling. As mental health professionals, we do not always prioritize our own mental wellness. According to James Guy, P.h.D., at least three out of four therapists have experienced major distress within the past three years, the principal cause being relationships. The same amount of therapists have suffered a clinically significant depression at some point in their lives, and nearly half admitted that in the weeks following a personal crisis, they were unable to deliver quality care.
According to Freud, “Every analyst should periodically submit himself to analysis ... without being ashamed to take this step”. He suggests the idea that therapists should embrace their own psychological development by participating in therapy themselves. This comes with some great benefits like connecting with an understanding professional, increasing personal insightfulness, developing emotional resilience in sessions, experiencing the client’s perspective, and removing the stigma.
Connect with an Understanding Professional
There is stress that comes along with being an independent practitioner. Aside from doing therapy, there are so many things that require your attention, like administrative duties, marketing, and customer service. Regularly talking to a like-minded professional can aid in your ability to exceed client expectations and gain control of your practice. No one is going to understand all that you go through like another therapist.
Increase Personal Insightfulness
In order to effectively help others manage their emotions, it’s crucial that we have an insight into our psyche. By working with a therapist, you can learn and practice self-regulating skills so that you can provide your clients with the best guidance possible. In fact, the ACA code of ethics reinforces this idea: “Counselors are aware of their own values, attitudes, beliefs and behaviours and avoid imposing values that are inconsistent with counselling goals” (Standard A.4.b.).
Develop Emotional Resilience in Sessions
The self-awareness gained from going to therapy can provide critical insight into sources of countertransference with clients. When we understand our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, we can be aware of our biases and blind spots that could otherwise come to light in our clinical work. If we do not have a heightened level of awareness into ourselves, we could (unknowingly) respond to clients in a way that is ineffective.
Experience the Client’s Perspective
When you sit in the other chair and become a client, it changes the way you look at therapy. This will inevitably increase your empathy because you will be able to relate to the same successes, challenges, and frustrations that clients go through naturally. You will learn exactly what it feels like to sit across from a therapist and to be understood. This forms an authentic client perspective that will improve the way you do therapy with clients yourself.
Remove Stigma
A common goal of our industry is to destigmatize receiving mental health care. Going to therapy and talking openly about it is the best way to practice what you preach and remove the stigma! If you are comfortable disclosing that you, as a therapist, see a therapist , it will normalize the experience. When therapists are reluctant to seek therapy, worried that it shows they are less capable or flawed, it perpetuates the stigma further.
Why it worked for me
I have to admit, I was hesitant to begin therapy at first; I was nervous and excited all at once. After years of advocating to remove the stigma from therapy, I realized that I was not practising what I was preaching. I decided to dive into therapy and I am so happy I did. The mental clarity you get from therapy is priceless and it gives you that time every week out of your hectic schedule to take the time for yourself - something we always remind our clients to do. It’s a great feeling when you know that you offer something amazing to your clients because you get to experience it as well. Your mental health really is the best investment you can make.
References
Cassie is a talk therapist & private practice owner. She specializes in helping professionals become the best version of themselves. She often provides clients with practical techniques based on humanistic psychology to find knowledge, growth, healing & fulfilment Cassie holds a Master of Clinical Social Work from Rutgers University.
Instagram, Facebook & Twitter: @modernonsocial
Cassie is a qualified Licensed Clinical Social Worker, based in Eatontown, United States.
With a commitment to mental health, Christensen provides services in English, including Coaching (Life), Individual and Couple Therapy, Online Counselling / Phone Therapy and Stress Management.
Christensen has expertise in Adjusting to Change/Life Transitions, Anxiety Disorders, Attachment Issues, Attention Deficit Disorders, Body Image, Burnout, Career Issues, Depression, Parenting Issues and Stress Management.
Click here to schedule a session with Christensen.
Important:
TherapyRoute does not provide medical advice. All content is for informational purposes and cannot replace consulting a healthcare professional. If you face an emergency, please contact a local emergency service. For immediate emotional support, consider contacting a local helpline.
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