Things My Therapists Taught Me

My biggest takeaways from years spent "on the couch".

I’ve had a therapist since the age of 6. If I counted them all, I’m sure the number would be well above 20. Some prescribed medication at my first appointment, some had stuffy offices and cold handshakes, some were wonderful and warm. One quit on me (true story). Not all of them were great. There were plenty I didn’t learn from. Some even scared me more than they helped me. But the good ones? They were life-changing.

There aren’t many hills I’ll die on, but one that I will stake my claim to is this: everyone should have a therapist. It should be like getting your teeth cleaned—go in, dump your trauma, come out lighter. A regular appointment you schedule with frequency, covered by insurance (a soapbox for another day).

But finding the right therapist can be hard. Not every therapist is for every person. They have different modalities, and sometimes your brain just “clicks” with one and not another. You also might just not vibe with someone personality-wise, and that’s okay! It might take you a few tries before you find the right fit, which can be frustrating. But I promise you, it is worth the work.

There is something so validating and healing about voicing all of your worries and thoughts to someone who has no personal stake. You don’t have to worry about burdening your loved ones with weight that’s not theirs to carry, wondering whether they’re judging you or will think differently of you if they know the madness inside your head. Also, news flash, it’s not usually as “mad” as you think it is. Having a sounding board that is intrinsically neutral is invaluable.

Not only are the good ones a sounding board, but good therapists can be a WEALTH of knowledge. Some have quite literally changed the way I see and process the world. I have picked up wisdom that I carry with me daily. And since I’m not one to gatekeep, I’m sharing a few of the biggest lessons I’ve learned. Whether you are someone who struggles with anxiety, people pleasing, or none of the above, these are worth knowing. Maybe they’ll change the way you see the world, too.

The Bubbles.

This changed my life.