Only A Therapist Can Be A Therapist

There may be very well intentioned friends who give advice and perhaps follow up with line “my therapist said... “, to support their particular perspective. However, keep in mind friends giving advice IS NOT the same as therapy.

Only a therapist can be the therapist. Contrary to popular belief, therapists do not give advice. Therapy is very different from friendship. Therapists apply techniques, theory, and goals behind their thought-provoking questions and work. Unlike the closest people in your life, therapists do not have a motive or personal benefit when providing feedback, the therapeutic relationship is not a friendship.

However, even when one is a therapist by profession, we are not everyone’s therapist. Consider if you know or love someone who is a therapist as friend, partner, family, or an acquaintance, kindly ask them “do you have the emotional bandwidth for me to share” before unloading your thoughts or problems (i.e., expecting their emotional labor).

During a time where therapist are at the frontline for the mental health of others while caring for their own, consider tapping into other identities or roles they value that might allow for some respite.