Comments on: Therapists Are Human Too!

By: Marcia

Marcia — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 05:16:22 +0000

We lose everything when we forget the most basic of things – we were humans before we became therapists. Many therapists use the therapeutic boundary as a way to keep themselves at a distance. This is a disservice to both as neither gets to experience the healing of a real relationship – one that has openings for both the therapist’s and the client’s flaws, failures and quirkiness. I don’t know about other therapists but I just want to be me– not god or magical, just me– compassionate, nurturing and open to whatever experiences my clients bring me.

By: Clancey

Clancey — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 18:29:45 +0000

I’m sure there are many therapist out there who have their own way of dealing and helping clients. I see nothing wrong with giving personal examples of themselves, but as long as it is professional and in good taste and doesn’t offend the client

By: haleigh

haleigh — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:42:42 +0000

I have to agree with Fran… we can’t judge a therapist by some of the ones who lose their moral values… There are some really good therapist out there willing to help and not just for the money, but for the satisfaction of actually really helping someone.

By: lila

lila — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 22:47:46 +0000

Great article. I personally am glad to see therapist getting involved with people, as long as its on a professional basis… people need someone they can confide in and feel comfortable with.

By: Desmond

Desmond — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 15:14:30 +0000

I am so glad that someone spoke for the therapists. I am one and I think we all come under constant criticism not to mention legal harassment.

By: Felicia

Felicia — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:28:59 +0000

My cousin lost his life being a counsellor in a school in a very bad neighbourhood. He found a drug peddler who was causing a lot of havoc in the student community. I think there are examples of dedication that definitely outweigh the “I am here for the money” kinds.

By: Haley

Haley — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 04:36:08 +0000

I loved this article as I related it to something that happened between me and my child recently. I believe we carry this air of perfection around us even in our role as parents. We love to portray ourselves as extremely responsible, morally correct and the last word in etiquette . I find myself constantly correcting my child as he grows and one day he turned around and corrected me for being rude with my mum. I realised that the moment I accepted I was wrong and confessed that I shouldnt have said what I said, I felt no built-up stress and in doing so I had showed my child that noone is perfect. You dont have to be but you can aspire to be a better person everyday.

By: Fran

Fran — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 12:59:38 +0000

That is despicable when I hear about things like that happening. Therapists are being given a bad rap because of the actions of a few but those are the ones you always hear about. There are many many more who have dedicated their lives to helping others, and of course they get involved in their patients lives- they care about them and what happens to them. That is the definition of being compassionate right, which is what I would assume all of us want from a therapist? Being a therapist has to be difficult work- you hear about the problems of others all day long. When do you get a chance to decompress and deal with your own?

By: Olivia

Olivia — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:33:05 +0000

There is a downside too when therapists can get too involved with patients and cross thos moral lines.

By: Marvin Rosen

Marvin Rosen — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 22:03:34 +0000

As a therapist I totally agree with what you are saying. We are all human and bring our own baggage to the consulting room.
You might be interested in my new novel: :Shrink: Odyssey of a Therapist” which depicts the therapeutic interaction of a therapist with a patient who reveals a psychopathic personality. Moral, ethical, and personal issues of both parties are revealed. Shrink is available from Amazon and Barnes Noble.

By: Carol

Carol — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:00:29 +0000

Finding a therapist you can really connect with is hard, and I guess that now I see that it can be hard for them to connect with clients too.

By: Amber

Amber — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 23:11:52 +0000

I could never repay my therapist Val for all of the hard work and effort that she put in for me. I came in one tough and hardened cookie and she really had to work hard with me to make me see that I am special and have gifts and worth to offer to others. How can I ever give her back all that she has given to me? It makes me feel good to read this and to know that in the end I may have been able to give her a little something too and I like feeling that.

By: admin

admin — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 19:38:32 +0000

Dear Greg,
I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed your article. It is a wonderful reminder of how the authentic human relationship is truly the vehicle of healing. I hope too that it will encourage other therapists who hide behind a veil of professionalism, hierarchy, or whatever it may be, to get real… Thank you for your transparency….I bite my lip too, among other human behaviors :) Noah

By: Jill

Jill — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 19:11:58 +0000

As a client, the most valuable, transforming therapy sessions I have experienced have been those when my therapist has had the courage to share some aspect of their life which was a learning experience for them – as a teaching opportunity for me, or has admitted not knowing the answer or the best way to proceed. These occasions – where I have been trusted enough to be allowed to see a little way beyond the therapist as professional towards the therapist as person, have been watershed moments, allowing me to lower barriers, trust a little more, see a little further into myself, test responses without fear of recrimination & hurt, feel less isolated & alone. They have been an experience of a real world situation within the safety of the session, and as such very empowering. I commend you & all others who use this approach in their practices for your courage in doing so, because it changes your clients lives for the better. And that is a wonderful gift to receive.