A Letter to Therapists: Clients Benefit from Therapy, and So Do We.

Lisa Lawson • March 21, 2023

Engaging in counseling as a therapist may seem counterintuitive, but it can be incredibly beneficial for our own well-being and professional growth. 

As a therapist, we often prioritize the mental health of our clients over our own. We listen to their struggles, provide support and guidance, and help them develop coping mechanisms. But who is there for us when we need help? 


Working in a helping profession can be emotionally taxing. Constant exposure to trauma and suffering can take a toll on our mental health. Seeing a therapist can provide a safe space to process our emotions and prevent burnout. As Brene Brown, a popular therapist and researcher, said, "I don't have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness - it's right in front of me if I'm paying attention and practicing gratitude."


Therapists are trained to be objective and non-judgmental, but we are not immune to our own biases and blind spots. Seeing a therapist can help us gain a new perspective on our own issues and blind spots. As Irvin Yalom, a famous psychiatrist and author, said, "The therapist's task is to help [the patient] see that many of their problems have arisen from the way they have interacted with others and with themselves. The therapist does this by trying to create a new and different relationship with the patient." 

"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change." 

- Carl Rogers

Humanistic Psychologist

Seeing a therapist can also be a learning experience for us as therapists. We can observe different therapy techniques and approaches and apply them in our own practice.  

 

 

Along these same lines, as therapists, we often emphasize the importance of self-care to our clients. But we also need to practice what we preach. Seeing a therapist can be a form of self-care and can help us maintain our own mental health.

  

 

  

  

 

By seeing a therapist as a therapist, we can reduce the stigma around mental health and seeking help. We can lead by example and show that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.


From psychotherapist and author Esther Peter, "I am a huge advocate of therapy. I think everyone should do it. It's not just about therapy, it's about personal growth and the willingness to take responsibility for your life." 

Seeing a therapist as a therapist can provide numerous benefits for our own mental health and professional growth. By taking care of ourselves, we can better serve our clients and reduce the stigma around seeking help.


In the wise words of Brene Brown, "We cultivate love when we allow our most vulnerable and powerful selves to be deeply seen and known, and when we honor the spiritual connection that grows from that offering with trust, respect, kindness and affection." 

Embracing Integrated Health Internships

By Lisa Lawson • June 11, 2024
Embracing Integrated Health Internships

Leadership's Role in DEI for Healthcare Interns

By Lisa Lawson • March 4, 2024
In the complex and evolving world of community healthcare, non-profit organization leaders have a crucial role in championing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for their consumers, staff, and interns. This responsibility extends beyond ethical considerations; it is a strategic imperative critical to the provision of culturally competent care, fostering an environment of learning and innovation, and reflecting the diverse needs of the communities served. By prioritizing DEI, leaders in this sector can enhance the educational experience of interns, improve patient outcomes, and set a standard for inclusive healthcare practices.

Healthcare Workers and Why Coming Back to the Office Isn’t Always the Best Medicine

By Lisa Lawson • November 12, 2023
From Traditional to Transformational