When Therapists Need Therapy: Breaking the Stigma
As psychotherapists, we often feel an unspoken pressure to have everything figured out. CRPO (College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario) sets clear standards for our practice, emphasizing the importance of clinical supervision and ongoing professional development. But when it comes to our personal struggles, many of us feel a quiet shame.
The narrative goes something like this: How can I help others if I can’t help myself? Or worse: If my clients knew I needed therapy, would they lose faith in me?
This stigma—the idea that needing therapy makes us less competent—is not just harmful; it’s dangerous. It isolates us, prevents us from seeking support, and ultimately impacts our ability to show up fully for our clients.
Therapists in Therapy: The Norm, Not the Exception
Therapists seeking therapy is not only common—it’s essential. Many of the most effective therapists regularly engage in their own therapy as an integral part of their professional and personal growth. After all, we ask our clients to do deep, often uncomfortable work. Why should we be exempt?
Many clinical supervisors actively encourage therapists to engage in therapy. Whether it’s processing countertransference, managing burnout, or simply having a space to be vulnerable, therapy helps us stay grounded and present in our work. Supervision provides professional guidance and accountability but doesn’t always address the personal emotional toll of our work.
Rewriting the Narrative with Narrative Therapy
One of the most liberating aspects of narrative therapy is the idea that we are not defined by our problems. We are the authors of our stories, and we can edit, revise, or even rewrite them. Seeking therapy is not a sign of weakness; it is an act of strength.
Therapists can challenge the stories holding them back, such as:
I should be able to handle this on my own.
Needing therapy means I’m not good at my job.
I’m the only one feeling this way.
By reframing these narratives, therapists can embrace a new perspective: I am a human being before I am a therapist. My struggles do not diminish my competence; they deepen my empathy.
Understanding Resistance Through a Psychodynamic Lens
From a psychodynamic perspective, resistance to seeking therapy often stems from unconscious fears and defenses. For many therapists, this resistance can be tied to fears of inadequacy or vulnerability. Beneath these fears lie deeper, unresolved needs or patterns, such as the need to appear invulnerable or the fear of being judged. Therapy provides a safe container to explore these patterns, both intellectually and emotionally.
As therapists, we’re trained to hold space for others. But who holds space for us? Therapy offers that container—a place to be messy, imperfect, and real.
Breaking the Stigma
Normalizing conversations about therapy among peers, clinical supervisors, and even clients helps dismantle the stigma. For therapists in CRPO supervision, integrating personal challenges into discussions with supervisors can offer valuable support. Therapy is more than self-care; it is professional development.
Leading by example, particularly if you mentor or supervise others, can create a culture of openness and vulnerability. Sharing experiences about therapy (within boundaries) fosters connection and reduces stigma.
Finally, remember that the CRPO emphasizes maintaining competence and well-being. Seeking therapy aligns with our ethical responsibilities and enhances our ability to provide high-quality care.
A Call to Action
If you’re a therapist struggling with the idea of seeking therapy, take a moment to reflect. What story are you telling yourself about what it means to need support? How is that story serving you? And most importantly, how might you rewrite it?
We tell our clients that healing is a journey, not a destination. It’s time we extend that same compassion to ourselves. Seeking therapy doesn’t make you less of a therapist; it makes you more human. And in this work, our humanity is our greatest asset.
