Question

As a therapist/psychologist, how much do you take it personally when a client doesn’t reach their goals, relapses in addiction, or maybe even takes their life (or any other undesirable outcome)? How do you view these events? Do you feel overwhelmed?

Answer 1

Therapists and psychologists are human beings, and they do care deeply about their clients. When clients don't reach their goals, relapse, or experience undesirable outcomes, it can be challenging and emotionally impactful for the therapist. While therapists maintain professional boundaries and strive to remain objective, they can still experience a range of emotions, including sadness, frustration, and even guilt.

How therapists view these events and cope with them can vary depending on their experience, training, and individual approach. Some common ways therapists might process these situations include:

1. Reflecting and Seeking Supervision: Therapists often engage in personal reflection and supervision with more experienced colleagues or mentors. This allows them to gain perspective, process emotions, and receive guidance on how to best support their clients.

2. Focusing on the Client's Autonomy: Therapists understand that clients have their agency and choices, and not all outcomes are within their control. They acknowledge that clients may have their reasons for making certain decisions.

3. Recognizing the Limits of Therapy: Therapists acknowledge that therapy has its limitations, and not every client will achieve their goals or experience a linear progress. Sometimes, ongoing struggles or relapses are part of the recovery process.

4. Practicing Self-Care: To avoid burnout and overwhelm, therapists prioritize their own well-being and engage in self-care activities, such as therapy for themselves, hobbies, or time with loved ones.

5. Continuous Learning: Therapists may seek additional training and education to enhance their skills and knowledge, which can better equip them to address challenging situations.

It's crucial for therapists to have support systems in place, including regular supervision and peer consultation, to process their feelings and ensure they can continue providing effective care for their clients.

While therapists do their best to support their clients, they cannot control every outcome. Coping with challenging situations is a natural part of the therapeutic process, and therapists are trained to handle these emotions professionally while maintaining their focus on helping clients to the best of their abilities.