Therapy for Therapists

I greatly enjoy working with other therapists. As a fellow therapist, I understand the importance of being in therapy as a way not only to become more of an effective therapist but also to live more authentically as an individual.

As with my work with non-therapists, my approach working with therapists would be growth-oriented, holistically present-centered, and authentically relational (Refer to “For Non-Therapists”). Couples Work is also available for therapists. Having said that, there are several key themes that might emerge and be addressed in session.

One such theme is that of being a helper. Many helping professionals often experience difficulty helping themselves or asking for help when they need it. Some might not even be fully aware of their own needs, wishes, and desires while being keenly aware of those of others. For some, helping others comes to define them and becomes their only identity. Consequently, when not helping others, they might feel empty or anxious. When others do not accept the help they had offered, they might feel rejected or even get angry. If this theme emerges in session, we can explore how you have come to take on this role of helper, discuss what helping means to you, what you get out of helping others, how you help yourself, who is there to help you, and ultimately find ways to strike an appropriate balance between asking for help for yourself and offering help for others.

A larger theme here is the issue of transference and counter-transference. Different parts of you can be triggered or activated while working with clients, and vice versa. I believe that transference and counter-transference are always co-created in the feedback loop between therapist and client and the root of it is impossible to pinpoint. However, exploring your experiences evoked during the session with your clients will help you differentiate “your side” of the loop, which helps you effectively address the clients’ side of the loop.  Furthermore, you will be able to utilize this awareness as an opening to the parts of you that have not been explored and/or healed.

Another theme that often emerges in therapists’ personal work is that of vicarious trauma and emotional rawness therapists experience as a result of continuously creating a safe holding space for clients, who at times express intense emotions. I believe that the ability for self-care is one of the most important skills therapists need to develop. I appreciate your dedication to your work and the courage it takes to be a therapist; I would like to offer a safe space for you to be taken care of, a space for you to learn to take care of yourself in compassionate empowering ways.

Having mentioned these possible themes, I will never assume what your therapeutic needs are just because you are a therapist. Your work will be individualized based on your input and your insight in addition to other themes that emerge in session.

Through working with me, you will come to own all aspects of yourself, including your imperfections, strengths, vulnerabilities, and resiliency. The easiness and calmness that comes as a result of the wholeness you achieve in therapy will help you clearly see the moment-to-moment phenomena that transpires in session with your clients. Furthermore, your personal life will be enriched and experienced more vividly. Over the years, I have effectively helped therapists, on both professional and personal levels, to become more confident and comfortable in their own skin. I look forward to working with you.