Do therapists have therapists?

Have you ever wondered if therapists have therapists? When I was in graduate school, it was drilled into us that we, as students/clinicians, should have our therapists. Think about it, therapists sit for many hours and listen to people's hurt, pain, and deepest secrets. Sometimes (depending on the topic) can hit close to home. For example, a client can say something like " I miss how that person used to be." We can sometimes (not intentionally) attach that to our own experiences. We can connect that to someone we know dearly who has changed, and we wish they would be the way they used to be. This is called transference Transference is normal. Therapists are human. Therapists have feelings, and most therapists become therapists because of the experiences they have had in their own lives. They knew that in that moment, they needed someone to help them with processing their trauma and their experiences. Well, what do we do about he feelings, emotions, and experiences? We see our therapist. We have therapists or support that help us process not only the experiences we go through, but sometimes gain more insight into how we support others. It is important to have a community in the mental health field. This field works best when we can work together because there are so many different types of support that can be provided to best help not only ourselves but also other individuals. Support can look like going to therapy, reading, exercising, or spending quality time alone or with loved ones. Remember that positive care is self-care, and therapists who are also human practice self-care too!.