Being in the Therapist Seat: What We Learn From Our Clients

You come to therapy with a deep curiosity of who we are. Maybe you have read our bios, or perhaps you have seen our photos on Psychology Today, but it isn’t until we connect in person that you understand if this relationship will be healing or not. This is what courage looks like—you are putting your trust in us to join you on your, many times, broken path. 

As therapists, we go through extensive training, including a required grueling look at ourselves. We are asked and expected to face our own demons—past traumas, fears, and biases. This terrifying process is part of becoming the non-judgmental and safe therapist that you come to see. 

What we don’t learn in our training, however, is how much we will be affected by the brave, resilient souls that sit on our couch.

You—our clients—have consistently shown up, and demonstrated true commitment to yourselves, to your families, to your health. You have experienced defeat, but persevere. You have experienced triumph inside and outside of the therapy room. You have shared your deepest, most vulnerable aspects of yourselves with us--whom were once strangers. And let me tell you…we don’t take this role as your therapist lightly. We feel honored to hold your hand on your journey and are constantly in awe of your resilience, bravery, and strength, which continuously encourages us to challenge ourselves and to grow uncomfortably in our personal lives.

As my internship at NCTP comes to an end, I want to thank you, dear clients, for allowing me to be a part of your lives, for teaching me about the infinite power and beauty of the therapeutic relationship, and for being you. You will always hold a place in my heart and although we likely will not cross paths in the future, you will always be a part of my path. 

Thank you again,

Your Grateful Therapist

Authored by: Intern, Elise Rhodes