It's natural to see your friend, who is also a therapist, in the context of her professional role, especially if you are a student of psychology. However, it's important to respect her boundaries and wishes when she asks you not to view her as a therapist outside of her professional setting. Here are some suggestions for navigating this situation:
Acknowledge Her Boundaries: Recognize that your friend has explicitly asked you not to see her as a therapist outside of her professional role. It's essential to respect her boundaries and treat her as a friend rather than a therapist in your interactions.
Maintain a Healthy Friendship: Focus on building a strong friendship with your friend based on shared interests, hobbies, and personal connections. Enjoy spending time together outside of psychology-related discussions.
Discuss Your Feelings: If you find it challenging to switch off the therapist lens, consider having an open and honest conversation with your friend. Share your perspective and how you sometimes struggle to separate her roles, and ask if she has any suggestions for how you can both navigate this dynamic.
Seek Support from Peers: As a student of psychology, it's common to have a keen interest in the field and want to discuss psychological topics. Consider finding other psychology students or peers who share your interests to engage in such discussions.
Focus on Self-Reflection: Use these experiences as opportunities for self-reflection. Understand why you might be seeing your friend as a therapist and explore any personal reasons or underlying motivations.
Set Boundaries for Yourself: Establish clear boundaries for your interactions with your friend, focusing on friendship rather than seeking psychological advice or insights from her.
Learn from Her: Although you should avoid seeing her as a therapist, it's natural to learn from someone with expertise in a field you're interested in. If she shares relevant knowledge or experiences, be open to learning in a non-therapeutic context.
Professional Supervision and Support: If you find that this issue is affecting you significantly, you might consider discussing it with a supervisor or mentor in your academic program or seeking support from a mental health professional for guidance and perspective.
Remember that boundaries are essential in any relationship, including friendships. Respecting your friend's boundaries and focusing on nurturing a genuine friendship can lead to a fulfilling and supportive connection.