Why do we become therapists?
You wouldn’t necessarily think this is a spicy topic, but it is.
Some therapists would say that we as therapists are just people who are unusually compassionate, empathetic, and giving, even selfless or altruistic.
I don’t agree.
I don't think we're more inherently compassionate or giving people than anybody else. Often, we're people who took on caregiver roles in our families of origin and we learned to give in order to get, and ultimately, we’re no less selfish than anyone else.
But if you say that out loud in a group of therapists, as I have, they will bristle. Unless it’s on Facebook or Twitter, and then it will be a flame war.
The first answer is obviously the more flattering version - the version that’s been run through Instagram filters. The second answer might not be as flattering, but it might be more real.
Why does it matter what we think our reasons are for becoming therapists? Why do we need to accept the less flattering portrait of ourselves?
Because whether we acknowledge it or not, it’s in the room with our clients.
Listen to the full episode to hear:
Learn more about Riva Stoudt:
Resources:
Ep 3.3 - Unraveling Popular Ideas: Challenging Neuroscientific Narratives in Therapy with Kristen Martin
Ep 3.2 - Finding Our Place in the Lineage of Therapeutic Practice
Ep 3.1 - Between Mysticism and Modernity: Reclaiming the Jewishness of Therapy with hannah baer
Introducing The Kiln: Revolutionizing The Therapy Training Landscape
EP 2.12: 10 Things I Have Learned in 10 Years as a Therapist – Part 2
EP 2.11 - 10 Things I Have Learned in 10 Years as a Therapist – Part 1
EP 2.10 - Client Relationships in the Trenches: The Role of Self-Validated Intimacy
EP 2.9 - Immediacy in Therapy: Breaking the Fourth Wall with Dr. K Hixson
EP 2.8 - Paradox, Love, and the Therapeutic Journey
EP 2.7 - Let's Talk About Sex: A Humane Approach to Sexual Boundary Violations with Dr. Andrea Celenza
EP 2.6: The Vulnerability of the Therapist as Client
EP 2.5: Behind the Scenes: When Therapists Become Clients with Dr. Elena Herrera
EP 2.4: What Happens When Our Clients Encounter Our Humanity?
EP 2.3: Normalizing Vulnerability: The Power of Authenticity in Client Relationships with Onyx Fujii and Asher Pandjiris
EP 2.2 Deep Play: Exploring the Therapeutic Playground
EP 2.1: Balancing Goals and Healing in Therapy: Navigating the Tension with Silvana Espinoza Lau
Ep 18 - Therapists as Makers of Culture
Ep 17 - The Intimacy and Aliveness of Clinical Supervision with K Hixson
Ep 16 - Marketing With Integrity
Ep 15 - Is Ethical Marketing Possible? with Rachael Kay Albers
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