Should a therapist be in therapy?

As therapists, we dedicate our lives to holding space for others. We help clients process trauma, navigate anxiety, and heal from past wounds. But what about us? Who do we turn to when we carry the weight of others' emotions, plus our own?

Therapists are human too. We experience loss, anxiety, and stress just like everyone else. And yet, there's a misconception that because we guide others through their struggles, we have it all figured out. But that’s far from reality. This is where therapy for therapists becomes essential.

The Emotional Toll of Being a Therapist

Holding Others' Pain—And Your Own

Listening to clients share their deepest pain can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s also emotionally demanding. Sometimes, a client’s story echoes our own past wounds. It can stir up emotions we thought were buried.

For example, if a therapist has a history of trauma, they might hear a client’s experience and suddenly feel a wave of emotions they haven’t fully processed. But because professional boundaries prevent therapists from venting to clients, they must find another outlet—therapy. Coming out of those sessions with clarity and emotional balance is crucial.

Compassion Fatigue and Burnout

Therapists often practice empathy every single day, absorbing emotions like sponges. Without an outlet to release them, burnout can creep in. Signs of burnout can include exhaustion, detachment, and even questioning your ability to help others.

Instead of pushing through, therapy provides a space for therapists to process their emotions, set boundaries, and re-energize. Coming out of therapy sessions feeling refreshed can make all the difference in continuing to do meaningful work.

Why Therapists Need Therapy

1. Self-Awareness and Healing

Many therapists enter the field because of personal experiences with mental health. Some, like those with generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder, have firsthand knowledge of what it’s like to struggle. Therapy helps us stay aware of our own triggers and responses, so we don’t unconsciously project onto clients.

2. Better Boundaries

Therapists teach clients about boundaries, but we also need them ourselves! Without strong boundaries, we risk emotional exhaustion and enmeshment with clients’ struggles. Therapy helps reinforce personal limits and prevents us from overextending ourselves.

3. Improved Client Care

The more emotionally balanced and self-aware a therapist is, the better they can serve their clients. When therapists prioritize their own mental health, they create healthier, more effective therapeutic relationships. Coming out of therapy with a clear head allows therapists to give their best to clients.

Making Therapy a Priority

Finding the Right Support

Just as clients search for the right therapist, therapists must find someone they trust and feel safe with. This could be another therapist specializing in treating mental health professionals, a peer consultation group, or even supervision with a mentor.

Committing to the Process

Therapy isn’t just a one-time fix—it’s a continuous practice. Even if you feel "okay," regular therapy sessions can provide maintenance, ensuring emotional well-being over time. Coming out of these sessions with insights and clarity strengthens not just you, but the work you do.

Final Thoughts

Therapy isn’t just something we recommend—it’s something we should experience firsthand. Taking care of our own mental health allows us to show up fully for our clients. Whether you’re a therapist just starting out or a seasoned professional, therapy is a valuable tool that helps you grow, heal, and continue making a difference.

Coming out of sessions feeling lighter, more self-aware, and more balanced is something every mental health professional deserves.