Why therapists should go to therapy: Five crucial benefits
Have you ever wondered if you can ask your therapist if they go to therapy? The answer is Yes- you can ask them…. and their answer should be…YES.
In the world of mental health, therapists stand as cornerstones, helping people of all ages to navigate their minds. However, it is all too easy for therapists to get caught up in supporting others, and not address their own challenges and burdens. This raises the question: Should therapists go to therapy? The answer is yes- and here are five key reasons why.
Increased empathy and relatability:
Therapists often experience second-hand their clients’ traumatic experiences, absorbing stories of trauma and struggle. Undertaking therapy themselves will allow them to learn about the experience of therapy from the client perspective, and as a result foster a greater sense of empathy, which will allow them to connect with their clients on a much deeper level. This undoubtedly will create a healthy environment for healing and growth.
Preventing trauma and burnout:
Client experiences can result in therapists suffering from secondary trauma. This occurs when they internalise the trauma that they are helping. Having their own therapy sessions can give them a space to consider their own feelings and emotions, and also a means of working through the impact of their clients’ stories. Talking through these emotions can reduce the risk of professional and personal burnout.
Mitigating isolation:
Despite often working face-to-face with clients, the nature of a therapist’s role can be very isolating, particularly because a therapist cannot discuss a clients’ traumatic experiences normally outside of the workplace. Seeking their own therapy allows them a safe space to offload their feelings without the fear of judgement, in a neutral environment.
Personal growth: Every person encounters their own individual issues in life. Embarking on their own therapy experience cultivates personal growth and self-awareness. Confronting their own vulnerabilities is key in making therapists more resilient in their work.
Destigmatising therapy:
Although leaps and bounds have been made in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, there is still lots of work to do. One key thing that therapists are able to do, is highlight to their clients that undertaking therapy is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of self-awareness. Mental health should be normalised as accessible to all.