Ask a Therapist

Do I go to therapy myself? This is a good question, and I think different therapists will answer it in different ways according to their modality. However, all therapists who are professionally qualified will have had to undergo therapy themselves during their training. My training was a three-year training, and during that time I attended weekly therapy. I trained in psychosynthesis, which is a transpersonal model, and I try to be as authentic with my clients as possible.

I think it’s important for therapists to have that space, if they want it, to be able to return to therapy at any point. Because it allows for support to their wellbeing and is kind of part of self-care, really. Life is a journey and we’re all travellers on this journey, and inevitably all humans are going to encounter difficulties or challenges at some point in their life – and therapists are no exception to that. So, I have a therapist that I may see when I’m undergoing my own challenges and difficulties. I think it’s really helpful because it gives space for growth and for exploration. I also feel that by seeing my therapist if I’m having difficulties, it allows me to be more clear and more present with my clients. So yes, I do at times, when needed, return to therapy.

I would also get curious with my client, and I would ask the nature of their question and how would it help them to know. Perhaps it would make me more human to them to know that I had been to therapy. And we would then explore that. That would be something that we could explore in our session, while they’re bringing that question. So, that’s what I would do.