What Your Therapist Wishes you Knew:

➡️ when you ask us if something is normal we often think yes for your history but not normal in the sense that it should be considered a healthy coping strategy. We are treating you because something is “disordered” in your responses, mood, behavior, etc

➡️ your diagnosis is not as important as your day to day function and symptomology even though insurance demands us to provide a diagnosis and treatment plan that aligns, sometimes there’s just more to it

➡️ even though tik tok said it, it doesn’t mean it’s you. Just because they said they were diagnosed with xyz after abc doesn’t mean if you abc you will be diagnosable with xyz. We live in a society that wants to give you labels and identities as a form of comfort instead of hope and real consideration that most of these things are treatable or manageable

➡️ we spend so much time doing notes and often time to protect you, your privacy, and yes our own butts but it’s mainly because we have to and it’s hard but we love what we do so it’s worth it

➡️ sometimes we are going to ask if you want our personal or professional thought response and this is because we are constantly seeing you as a person on the same playing field as us and we really care about you when we develop the therapeutic relationship

➡️ we only know what you tell us so sometimes we wonder if there’s more you haven’t told us or we can infer there is but getting that out can take time both from us and your own willingness but we love the transparency whenever it comes

➡️ it’s ok if you only started implementing the coping skill after your bestie said she does even if we recommended it already and have discussed it, we literally are just so happy you’re doing it

➡️ sometimes you bring things to the table that are so eerily close to things we are or have been through that there is even more focus on being intentional with professional boundaries and disclosures

➡️ some sessions will feel heavier & more intense than others; all can be purposeful

As a clinical mental health counselor there’s so much more, I know getting help is a big step & I am grateful for those who trust me, I don’t take it lightly ❤️