3 Things That Drive Your Therapist Nuts!

Let's get this clear: Therapists don't know everything, we make mistakes, and we are human just like you. With that said, we listen for a living. The foundation of the work is spent listening, communicating, assessing, evaluating, problem-solving, and mediating every day, all day.

When I meet with clients, regardless of their past history with other therapists, I always treat clients as if this were their first session so I can explain that all therapists are different — with different personalities and different approaches. So you want to know how to drive your therapist nuts? Here are my top 3 pet peeves:

1. Lying

You would think that this is a given. It's not. Even though I go over the need for honesty and openness, there is always that client who seems to think that lying is going to get them where they need to be. Lying destroys the momentum and it prevents clients from achieving what they really want to achieve. I'm not going to judge you. I'm here to help you get to where you want to be. Being honest is one of the most freeing experiences!

2. No-Shows

New client and you don't show up? Don't bother to call or text that you decided to change your mind? Chances are there won't be a second appointment. You have to realize that there are some clients in pretty difficult situations who are waiting to be seen sooner. I can't offer them anything if no-shows don't bother to cancel. So please, don't be that person.

3. Dragging Us Into Court

So we saw you months ago, for 1 session, and now you are divorcing. Guess who gets subpoenaed? We go to school to provide counseling and get trained in counseling — not to be expert witnesses. We don't get reimbursed for time off, and then there's a chance the judge doesn't even have to speak to us yet we blocked off the entire day!

In all seriousness, we are in business for ourselves — we don't accumulate vacation time, sick time, or employer-sponsored 401ks. Come to therapy with an open heart and an open mind, remember to cancel if you can't make it, and keep us out of the courtroom. We'll love you for it!