Not to sound elitist, one-of-the-club, or you're only as good as what you've done, I know that only people who have experienced certain traumatic situations can relate to others in those situations.
Being clean and sober fits in that category. So do people who almost suicide. What's it like going to war, fighting for your life, and hating taking another person's life.
A Therapist, counsellor, psychologist who hasn't done any of that has got nothing to base their empathy on. Get them just out of college and it's a waste of time.
I want to know the person guiding me has travelled this path. That they're guiding me now means they made it back.
I appreciate you reading and sharing that perspective. As Dana shared, for some of us—myself included— knowing that you have a shared experience or identity with your therapist can be essential in building the trust needed to even begin through vulnerability therapy often requires.
Love this thoughtful interview. It's so helpful to hear other therapist/writers reflecting on how they navigate the nuances of the personal/professional interface. I fully agree that it can be harmful when therapists give a false impression of having it all together. I prefer the 'wounded healer' notion - that many of our greatest learnings and offerings come from our own struggles. It's a tricky line to walk, but I'm loving hearing these conversations happening here on Substack.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and thoughtful, insightful responses, Kaitlyn!
Thank you for these questions. They really allowed me to get clarity on thoughts that had been bouncing around. Appreciate you, as always. 💕
Not to sound elitist, one-of-the-club, or you're only as good as what you've done, I know that only people who have experienced certain traumatic situations can relate to others in those situations.
Being clean and sober fits in that category. So do people who almost suicide. What's it like going to war, fighting for your life, and hating taking another person's life.
A Therapist, counsellor, psychologist who hasn't done any of that has got nothing to base their empathy on. Get them just out of college and it's a waste of time.
I want to know the person guiding me has travelled this path. That they're guiding me now means they made it back.
I appreciate you reading and sharing that perspective. As Dana shared, for some of us—myself included— knowing that you have a shared experience or identity with your therapist can be essential in building the trust needed to even begin through vulnerability therapy often requires.
Such a great interview!
I found it so fascinating to hear how sobriety affected your role as therapist. I love this line: “There is an aliveness in my senses”.
So many yeses to that!
Thank you for reading!
It’s so true about the senses, right? And sometimes that is hard but either way it’s information.
Yup, important data points.
Love this thoughtful interview. It's so helpful to hear other therapist/writers reflecting on how they navigate the nuances of the personal/professional interface. I fully agree that it can be harmful when therapists give a false impression of having it all together. I prefer the 'wounded healer' notion - that many of our greatest learnings and offerings come from our own struggles. It's a tricky line to walk, but I'm loving hearing these conversations happening here on Substack.
I’d never heard that framing. Thank you for sharing that. That feels exactly right.
Why would one act professionally if not sober? Guess I’m missing something.
I’m not sure I understand your question. Would you be willing to share more about what you’re curious about?
It was a rhetorical question, I did not expect a reply.