For the average person, finding a therapist can be relatively easy nowadays. There are so many resources online that can help. From the initial search to learning more about potential therapists you’re interested in, it’s a process, but not necessarily a difficult one.
But, it’s easy to forget that therapists are just people, too.
They might have endless knowledge about different mental health conditions and how to help others that are struggling. But, that’s not always easy or practical when it comes to helping themselves through those conditions.
A therapist might try to self-diagnose, but they shouldn’t have to attempt to “treat” whatever they’re struggling with.
So, how do therapists find a therapist, and why does it really matter?
Why Do Therapists Need Therapy?
When you think about the very nature of a therapist’s job, it’s easy to see just how emotionally draining it can be. They hear about difficult situations all day, every day. They have to know how to help people through traumatic experiences, depression, anxiety, and so much more.
Even though the practice of helping people with their mental health struggles can be rewarding, it still takes an emotional toll.
Additionally, many therapists were drawn to the profession because of their own history of utilizing therapy or their family’s challenges with mental health issues. These experiences can make them better therapists, but can also be something that comes up again while they are practicing.
Simply put, it’s a high-risk job when it comes to mental distress. So, it’s not uncommon for therapists to need support, and that can come in the form of attending therapy, themselves.
How Can a Therapist Find the Right Therapist?
You might initially think it should be easy for a therapist to find another therapist to work with. But, that isn’t always the case. There are a few potential hurdles to overcome.
If a therapist works as part of a group in a larger practice, they likely aren’t going to be able to sign up for therapy sessions with other people who work there.
That can be a big problem even for therapists with their own practice. They might have a great network of mental health professionals at their disposal, but it’s difficult to open up to someone you have a professional relationship with and dual relationships are addressed in professional codes of ethics, typically to be avoided if there are alternatives available or at the very least, navigated very carefully.
Additionally, therapists can and should be discerning in who they choose to work with.
Most therapists practice certain modalities and have specific techniques they like to use or avoid. They know so much already that it can be more difficult for them to open up to another therapist. They may also feel awkward about admitting that they need the support of therapy as all.
What’s the Solution?
In the end, therapists can use their networking and experience to find someone that fits their needs. It just may take some time to weed out prospects before finding the right one. They can even search online to find someone via telehealth, so they can make sure they’re working with a therapist that will understand them and perhaps who is not in their immediate geographic area, giving them more of a sense of privacy.
When a therapist attends therapy, it gives them the opportunity to decompress. They can certainly discuss feeling overwhelmed by work. It’s also an opportunity to deal with personal issues or problems happening in their lives, as well as to take a deeper dive into old issues that may be resurfacing.
Again, therapists are just people. They’re not immune to struggles in life, and they can easily get overwhelmed and stressed as a hazard of the trade. Therapy can be very beneficial for mental health professionals. But, it may take them a bit longer to find the right person to work with.
If you are a therapist wondering if my telehealth practice might be a good fit for you, feel free to contact me for a consultation call. You can also click here to learn more about therapy as a therapist.
