The impact of therapy on a person's personality can vary widely depending on the individual, the type of therapy they are undergoing, and their specific goals for therapy. In general, therapy is aimed at helping individuals understand themselves better, improve coping mechanisms, develop healthier behaviors, and enhance self-awareness. It is not intended to make someone's personality seem fake or off-putting.
If you know someone who has been through therapy and you notice changes in their behavior or communication style that appear exaggerated or off-putting, it's essential to consider a few factors:
Individual Differences: People respond to therapy in unique ways based on their personalities, life experiences, and therapeutic goals. Some individuals may become more assertive or expressive after therapy, which could lead to subtle changes in how they communicate.
Coping Mechanisms: Sometimes, people in therapy learn new coping mechanisms or communication styles to handle certain emotions or challenges. While these coping strategies may be helpful for the individual, others around them might perceive them as exaggerated or inauthentic.
Self-Discovery: During therapy, individuals may discover parts of themselves that were previously suppressed or hidden. As they explore and express these aspects of their personality, it may initially come across as unfamiliar or "off-putting" to those who are accustomed to their previous behavior.
Empowerment and Authenticity: Some individuals might interpret their therapy journey as empowering, leading them to embrace their feelings and emotions openly. The use of phrases like "I feel" with emphasis might reflect an attempt to assert their emotions confidently and assertively.
Social Skills: It's possible that the person you mentioned is experimenting with new communication styles they learned in therapy, which can take time to integrate naturally into their interactions with others.
If you find that the person's communication style is making you uncomfortable, it might be worth considering the following steps:
Open communication: If you have a close relationship with the person, consider discussing your feelings in a non-confrontational manner. Share your observations and feelings without judgment, allowing for open dialogue.
Focus on intentions: Remember that the person's intentions might be positive, even if their communication style seems different to you. They may be trying to grow and improve their interpersonal skills.
Personal boundaries: If the person's behavior makes you uncomfortable and the relationship is not significant, you can set personal boundaries and limit your interactions as needed.
Patience and understanding: Be patient and give the person some time to integrate their therapeutic learnings naturally. People may go through an adjustment phase as they incorporate new insights into their lives.
Ultimately, therapy should aim to help individuals become more authentic and self-aware, rather than promoting a fake personality. However, individual experiences and interpretations can differ, so it's essential to approach these situations with empathy and understanding.