In the Other Chair: A Therapist’s Reflection on the Healing Journey

As a therapist, my work is both challenging and deeply fulfilling—and I’d venture to say you can’t truly have one without the other. For those who are curious about what it’s like to be "in the other chair" in the therapy room, here’s just one therapist’s perspective.

The Therapy Room: A Space for Authenticity

The experience in the therapy room isn’t just healing for clients; it’s healing for us too. When we say, “Come as you are,” we mean it. Society often tells us to wear masks, to play roles, to exchange polite but surface-level responses—think about how often we answer “I’m fine” when asked how we’re doing. But therapy is different. It’s a space to show up as your authentic self, free from judgment, free from performance.

I once had brunch with a friend who apologized for not keeping the conversation “light and fluffy.” My response? “We’re not pancakes. It’s okay.” Therapy is not about fitting emotions into a neat, digestible box. It’s about embracing the messiness of the human experience and finding meaning within it.

You Are an Inspiration!

Many people view therapists as the “experts” in the room, but in reality, we see you as the expert in your own life. You know your struggles, your patterns, what has worked and what hasn’t. Our role is to walk alongside you, offering tools, insights, and strategies to help you shape the future you want.

And while therapy can feel awkward, vulnerable, or even messy at times, we don’t see it as a burden—we see it as opportunity. Every time you show up, even on the hardest days, you inspire us. Doing the work of healing is no small feat, and your courage in facing it head-on is something we deeply admire.

We Think About You …

Yes, we really do. We prepare for our time together, research ways to help, and think about your upcoming challenges—your job interview, the hard conversation you were planning to have, the exam you’ve been preparing for. We’re rooting for you.

One of the biggest misconceptions about therapy is the fear of being judged. I hope more people understand that therapists are not here to criticize or shame. We listen to stories from all walks of life, and we honor every single one. No two experiences are the same, and that’s what makes the work so beautiful.

When Therapy Ends

Ending therapy is bittersweet. The goal has always been to help you reach a point where you no longer need us—but that doesn’t mean we don’t feel the weight of goodbye. The work we do together is meaningful, and you stay in our thoughts long after our sessions end.

So, if you ever feel like reaching out after therapy has ended, don’t hesitate. A quick note to let us know how you’re doing would be more than welcome. We’d love to hear about your growth, your progress, and the life you’ve built since our time together.

Therapy is a partnership, one built on trust, authenticity, and shared humanity. If you’re considering therapy, know that you don’t have to show up perfectly—you just have to show up. Healing is a journey, and we are honored to walk alongside you, step by step.

Little by little, we find our paths toward healing.