By Melissa Carlson, LCSW

 

Most of us have at least one trusted, wise friend with whom we share confidences. We’ve learned they don’t break our confidences, they offer good advice over and over, and they share their confidences, too.

It’s very good and life enhancing to have a friend like that. Why, then, might you want to talk with a professionally trained therapist? Here are 10 reasons to consider.

  1. When you talk with a professional therapist, you can see your friends without wondering who’s about to ask about the troubles you shared last time you talked. Might seem like a small thing, but this can be a huge benefit, giving you space to process, heal – and have fun.
  2. A professional has a different frame of reference, having studied how our personalities work, and why they work that way.
  3. Your friends are deeply invested in your happiness so may not be as objective – or as gently honest – as your therapist can be. Remaining objective and having resources to check ourselves if we think we aren’t able to be, is part of our psychological training.
  4. You will get your therapist’s undivided attention with a specific appointment time – no guessing when a friend might be available. This allows you a set time to stop and reflect not only on events, but on how you react to them.
  5. You can expect feedback, but not advice, from your therapist. A therapist wants to help you discover your own answers and solutions, not what worked for them.
  6. With a professional therapist every session will not be a “complaint session.” You will be guided into more productive, effective ways of thinking.
  7. You can be honest. Your therapist is thinking clinically, not judgmentally, about what you share.
  8. The therapist’s training is grounded in research as well as experience. We can help you notice thought patterns that are helpful, as well as those which aren’t.
  9. A licensed therapist is bound by ethical standards that exist primarily for the protection of the client. The confidentiality afforded through these ethical standards (and federal/state laws) allows the client a safe place to explore their thoughts and ideas.
  10. The therapist isn’t only interested in helping you through your immediate issue, but also wants to help you build on your strengths or teach you the new skills you need for navigating your particular life challenges.

Getting the help you need from a licensed therapist will be occasionally difficult, at times emotional, and ultimately very rewarding and satisfying, helping you become a more effective person, able to make life-enhancing decisions.

 

Resources:

“Talking with a Friend vs Therapy: Key Differences You Should Know,” Dr. Colin Shotts. December 26, 2019, Shared Visions Psychological Services.   

“How is Talk Therapy Different from Talking to a Friend?” Margaret Seide, MD. Updated May 27, 2021, VerywellMind blog article.