Consumer Beware - Therapy for Therapists

Human beings have a tendency to stereotype and compartmentalize others. This is especially true for those in our culture that hold positions of authority such as doctors, clergy and police officers. We see them functioning in their profession and tend to forget that they are just people like us with families, problems and failings. This fact is particularly true for those who work in the mental health field.

This fact in of itself isn't a problem. The problem arises when those wishing to become therapists, counselors and psychologists are doing so as a way to elevate themselves in the eyes of others, and to mask their deep seated insecurities and lack of self-love behind a diploma. Somewhere inside they know that they need therapy themselves, but they are afraid to do the painful work of self introspection that therapy provides and that healing requires. So they get a degree in psychology instead. They may believe that having an education will eliminate their need for therapy - not so.

Without proper help, the educated, unhealed therapist attempts to convince themselves and others that their profession defines them. People look to them for answers in their own life expecting that the therapists' advice will be based on having gained mastery over their own emotional, marital and childhood difficulties. The unhealed therapist is perpetuating a lie and fraudulently takes money without the ability to sufficiently help others.

A therapist cannot lift a client higher than where they themselves are standing. Consequently it is imperative that each therapist be willing to do their own work before attempting to help others. To deny themselves of this is to live life as a fraud.

As a consumer, it is vital that you understand that about 50% of all therapists should be on the couch rather than behind it. Never assume that your therapist has all the answers. And realize that you may have to visit several therapists before you find one that is mentally healthy enough to lift you up to where you want to be.