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Therapycan feel like a unique and mysterious process.
It isnt uncommon to have questions about your treatment and therapist.
Others may feel zero connection to their therapist and even dislike simply being in the same room with them.
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Some people can feel indifferent to their therapist.
Read on to learn why!
Do I Have to Like My Therapist?
There may be times in your therapy sessions when youre wondering if you should probably like your therapist.
This is a normal question to have.
First, lets address why it is important to like your therapist.
Working with someone you generally like can facilitate feelings of connection in therapy.
When feeling connected, you may have an easier time opening up to them.
It is also crucial to accept that there may be times when you dont like your therapist.
In fact, allowing yourself to tell your therapist when you dislike them can actually lead to significant breakthroughs.
Many people who seek out therapy havent experienced healthyconflict resolutionor may feel uncomfortable expressing criticism or disagreement.
When youspeak upin treatment, the therapist can model beneficial conflict resolution or validate your emotions.
Liking your therapist makes it easier to express your opinions, even negative ones.
How Much Should I Like My Therapist?
While it is key to like your therapist, there are important boundaries to remember.
Therapists Cannot Be Your Friend
First, your therapist is not yourfriend.
This is due to therapists' ethical duty to not engage in dual relationships.
This is not uncommon and may reflect something known astransference.
For example, you may long for a loving mother and find your therapist to be maternal.
Alternatively, you could develop romantic feelings for your therapist.
However, your therapist should never act on or take advantage of these kinds of feelings.
Engaging in a romantic relationship with a client is highly unethical.
If your therapist comes on to you romantically, immediately report them to their licensing organization.
What Should I Do If I Dont Like My Therapist?
If you dont like your therapist, consider why that is.
Do you find them to be unprofessional or judgmental?
If so, that can indicate that they may not be the right therapist for you.
Sometimes, our therapists can remind us of people we know and have negative relationships with.
This is another example of transference.
It’s important to try discussing your feelings of dislike with your therapist and take it from there.
Inclusive Therapistshas culturally responsive providers committed to a social justice-oriented approach to the therapeutic process.
Norcross JC, Lambert MJ.Psychotherapy relationships that work III.Psychotherapy.
2022;32(1):3-15. doi: 10.1080/10503307.2020.1762947
