During my Masters of Counselling, the subject of therapy was often raised. We were encouraged to have therapy to pack away anything that might get in the way of being good therapists.
Prior to pursuing my Masters Degree, I had already embraced therapy. I first saw them in my twenties, when twenty-something stuff seemed overwhelming and even through difficult life transitions. In fact, I have had the same therapist now for over twenty years. When I reflect on it, my therapist has helped me through many life transitions, allowing me to just come and go infrequently. But he always remembers my story and the role that I play in it. I have found that as a therapist, going to therapy has been so valuable.
I know I am a better therapist because of it. I know what it is like to sit on the opposite side of the couch. To feel the vulnerability of being human. To explore some difficult truths that you would prefer to keep hidden. To never have to face them because it takes bravery. There is often a lot of grief and loss there but the best part is the therapist is totally there for you to wholeheartedly support you.
NORMALIZING THERAPY AND ENDING THE STIGMA
I don’t think that we encourage therapy for therapists enough in Australia. Therapy seeking therapists seems unspeakable and taboo, whereas in America, it is embraced and expected. I hope that by letting you into my secret, we can start to remove any stigma. Going to therapy should be normalized. It should be encouraged and embraced because I can attest that I am a better therapist because of therapy.
Brene Brown, in her Ted Talk, “The Power of Vulnerability”, talks about her emotional breakdown that led to her seeing a therapist for a year. You don’t need to go through a break down to see a therapist, but I surmise there will be times in your life transitions when therapy can be far-reaching.
Below is a direct quote about her journey to find a therapist who sees therapists.
“So I found a therapist. My first meeting with her, Diana — I sat down and she said, “How are you?”
I said, “I’m great. I’m okay.”
She said, “What’s going on?”
And this is a therapist who sees therapists, because their B.S. meters are good”.Brene Brown. https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability.
