You've raised an important and valid question about the premise of therapy and the nature of trust in the therapeutic relationship. The therapeutic process is indeed built on a foundation of trust, and it may initially seem counterintuitive to open up to someone whose life and personal background you know little about.
However, there are several reasons why this approach is generally considered effective and appropriate:
Professional Training: Therapists undergo extensive education, training, and supervised practice to become licensed professionals. They are equipped with knowledge and skills to create a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Boundaries and Objectivity: By not disclosing much about their personal lives, therapists maintain clear boundaries and prevent their own experiences from influencing the therapy process. This allows them to remain objective and focus solely on the client's needs.
Client-Centered Approach: Therapy is about the client, not the therapist. The therapist's role is to facilitate the client's growth and self-discovery, not to seek advice or solutions from the client.
Transference and Projection: In therapy, clients may unconsciously transfer feelings and attitudes from past relationships onto the therapist. By limiting personal information, the therapist can minimize the chances of this process interfering with the therapy's purpose.
Ethical Guidelines: Professional organizations and licensing bodies provide ethical guidelines that therapists must adhere to, ensuring that they prioritize their clients' well-being and confidentiality.
Relatability and Common Humanity: Despite not knowing personal details about the therapist, clients often find that they can still relate to them. This relatability comes from shared humanity and the therapist's ability to understand and empathize with the client's experiences without needing to disclose their own.
It's essential to remember that the therapeutic relationship is unique and exists for the specific purpose of supporting the client's growth and healing. While it may differ from some aspects of typical friendships or relationships, its structure is carefully designed to be beneficial and therapeutic.
However, it's reasonable to have questions or concerns about trust and the therapeutic process. It's essential to discuss any doubts or hesitations you may have with your therapist openly. A strong therapeutic relationship is built on mutual trust, respect, and understanding. If you don't feel comfortable or trusting with your current therapist, it's okay to explore other options until you find someone with whom you can establish a therapeutic alliance.