Things Your Therapist Wishes You Knew

Sometimes deep, sometimes silly, always wise.

Sawah says “I deeply encourage you to answer, pass, ask for more info, pause, or decline to answer any and all questions I ask in therapy. In a world where self sacrifice is celebrated, be the one that makes your wants and needs known. I'll meet you with enthusiasm and gratitude in your self advocacy!”

Aziz says “the world is messy, systems are failing us, people and feelings are complicated… and yet here you are, doing the work, caring to show up. That’s brave as hell.”

Jess B. says “You don’t have to come to therapy with any goal of bettering yourself - you can just show up and say “it’s me, I’m the drama” and we’ll roll with it.”

Liana says “The world often fails to recognize that so many of our struggles are systematic, and makes us think that growth and ‘ok-ness’ is solely the responsibility of the individual, but that isn’t true! So in the therapy space, let’s always honour the bigger picture at play while also doing the internal work.”

Curtis says “I may or may not be wearing pyjama pants in our zoom sessions.”

Jess M. says “Radical acceptance is a powerful tool… and it also sucks. We don’t have to pretend it doesn’t. It’s a privilege to be able to support you while we learn these skills. Keep going. I’ve got you.”

Mackenzie says “I have witnessed and experienced how culture, spirituality, curiosity, compassion, and open-hearted energy can lead to transformative healing. All your Parts are welcome. Connecting with your Self/Spirit is freeing. AND I recognize the various forms of systemic injustice that continue to impact us. We are allowed to be outraged, and we deserve better.”

Janele says “If my dog looks like she’s judging you with her side eye during our sessions, please know she does that to everyone, especially me! For real though, unlearning self-judgement and moving towards acceptance, authenticity, and (sometimes) celebration has been one of the most powerful skills I’ve ever had the pleasure of learning for myself. It’s also one of my favourite parts of this work.”

Janele’s dog seems skeptical.

Shadi says “Laughter is therapeutic! Your time with your therapist doesn’t have to be heavy to be effective. You’re here to feel better, after all!”

Annie says “To sit with you in all that you are is an honour. Your life is more than one - one experience, one decision, emotion. Together we can discover and embrace what was never meant to be held alone.”