Verywell / Laura Porter
Psychotherapy has hit its prime recently.
Why are more people tapping into the benefits of talk therapy?
When working with a professional, you have the benefit of knowing that there are actuallawsprotecting your privacy.
Verywell / Laura Porter
Therapy can also provide a designated time to stop and reflect in a fast-paced world.
So, what are the differences between talking to a therapist and talking to a friend?
Let’s find out.
Find out which option is the best for you.
Its something many adults do instinctively.
If you are talking to your best friend, you are still wanting them to think highly of you.
Therefore, you are speaking while being mindful of not lowering their opinion of you.
When talking to a loved one you may do some amount of editing of yourself.
Shame or a desire to avoid shame may cause you to change or leave out some details.
With a professional, this is less likely to happen.
This can mean that they are not giving you their full attention.
But because a therapy session is totally and completely about you, it isnt quite a two-way conversation.
A therapist or psychiatrist is actually trained to listen.
And they are not only listening to what you are saying, they are listening to what you arenotsaying.
They are listening to your body language or what topics seem to make you tearful or anxious.
Talk therapy provides this and many people deeply appreciate that aspect of it.
That may influence their opinion of your move.
Its not that your friend is trying to sabotage you.
Its just that they have an attachment to you that impacts their perspective.
A trained clinician doesnt have the same forces weighing in on their discussion with you.
Being neutral and objective is an important skill that comes with experience for a therapist.
Yes, if you are making catastrophic choices that put your well-being at risk, they may weigh in.
However, telling a person to leave their spouse or switch careers is not the job of a therapist.
It is very difficult to really know what is right for another person.
This situation is hypothetical but illustrates the complexity of a life journey.
What a good therapist may do is practiceSocratic questioning.
It Is Not a Big Complaining Session
Therapy is not all about complaining endlessly.
Yes, there are times when that is suitable depending on what is going on in your life.
It is also an honest discussion about what brought those obstacles into your life.
Endless complaining will not result in those changes and will not be therapeutic.
This is far from true and based on misguided ideas about the process.
Balancing Therapy and Friendships
Therapy cannot replace friendship, and vice versa.
They are both meaningful and offer different, valuable contributions to anyone’s life.
Many individuals report that being in talk therapy actually makes them more generous in their friendships.
They are not competing to be heard because they have that regular outlet with their therapist.
Also, in friendships, people worry about being a burden.
When you get your hair done, you dont feel like an inconvenience to your stylist, do you?
Not feeling like a burden allows for more freedom in therapy sessions.
For instance, sometimes you just really need a hug.
That’s where a friend comes in.
Those who practice therapy avoid giving outright advice on an issue.
Eating disorders, addictions, and suicidal thoughts require the input and support of a medical professional.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
A Word From Verywell
Therapy allows you to talk through the events of your life.
Its another set of eyes and ears on your life journey and a way to receive affirmation and support.
For many, it is what they need to optimize their potential.
In: Zhang X, Shi J, Tao R, eds.Substance and Non-Substance Addiction.
2019;24(0):6. doi:10.4102/hsag.v24i0.1224
