How Can Therapists Benefit From Therapy

You preach it every single day to your clients.

Acknowledging your emotions. Talking about your feelings. Getting your thoughts out in the open.

So why are you sitting at home all alone, dismissing your feelings and pushing your thoughts to the side? Practice what you preach!

Just because you're a therapist doesn't mean you aren't able to have your own therapist or go to therapy as well. In fact, there's actually an argument on how therapy can be extremely beneficial for therapists.

This is how therapists can benefit from therapy.

Feeling Supported

It's similar to reaching out to a friend or family member when times are tough. Having a listening ear or hearing someone's advice or guidance can be extremely beneficial. You may feel a little less alone by speaking your thoughts and feelings into existence. Plus, relaying how you're feeling to someone who may also be experiencing the same types of things can create a sense of validation.

Find Some "You" Time

You help your clients day in and day out. It's time to put yourself first for once. Each and every day, you have to be mindful and cautious of how much personal information you can share with your clients. There are rules, guidelines, and also your own safety and security to consider. Setting time aside to speak with a therapist, even if it's just once a week or on a bi-weekly basis, can be a great way to help you manage all of your own thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

You'll Become a Better Therapist

As a therapist, you can dedicate extra time to learning and research to better yourself as a therapist. Attending therapy on your own can provide the same value as taking a course, researching on your own, or attending a few conference sessions. Speaking with your own therapist will not only help you to show up and give 100% to your clients again, but it may also give you ideas or insights into how to help some of your current clients. Your therapist may give you coping mechanisms or techniques that you may not have considered before and how you can use them for yourself and your clients. Plus, it's never a bad idea to try to put yourself in your client's shoes. It's nice to see things from their perspective and use that information to further help them in an upcoming session.

Release Some Pent Up Emotions

Speaking with a therapist can help you to release some of your own pent-up emotions you may be holding onto from your own life, as well as emotions you may have held onto from your client sessions. As a therapist, you act as a sounding board for multiple clients each and every day. No two days are exactly the same. Your clients are coming to you for multiple life changes, challenges, issues, and growth opportunities. It can be a lot to take in a day in and day out. Speaking with a therapist is a great way to release some of those emotions so you're not carrying or holding onto them.

Next Steps

It's time to practice what you preach. Therapy is good for everyone, yourself included. Therapists need therapy too. Just because you're a therapist doesn't mean you don't have the same opportunity as someone who chose a different career path. You're still human and have to deal with just as much as another person throughout your lifetime. It's okay to reach out for help and support. In fact, it's encouraged.

Don't delay in getting the help you need and deserve. It's time to get yourself your own therapist. Reach out today to set up an initial consultation for counseling for professionals.