Do All Therapists Get Their Own Therapy?
Therapy can benefit everyone.
Therapy can benefit everyone, regardless of their background, experiences, or personality traits. While Keith Williams admits that he has not yet pursued therapy for himself, he acknowledges that many of his mentors and colleagues would consider it necessary for therapists to undergo therapy.
Williams has found solace and healing through being in service to others. He believes that helping others puts his own problems into perspective and allows him to access his true self. While this may provide some therapeutic benefits, Williams recognizes that it does not replace the formal therapy experience. He acknowledges that he may not be as effective as a therapist without having undergone therapy himself.
Therapy is not solely for individuals who have had significant struggles or challenges in their lives. Megan questions whether Williams has had a charmed life, implying that therapy may not be necessary for someone who hasn’t faced major hardships. However, Williams counters this notion by sharing that he has indeed faced struggles that have brought him to his knees. He emphasizes that therapy is not just for those who have experienced trauma but can be beneficial for anyone seeking personal growth, self-awareness, and a deeper understanding of themselves.
Williams also discusses his brief experience with family therapy, which was not positive. However, he recognizes that the fit between therapist and client is crucial and that sometimes a negative experience can still provide valuable lessons. We know the importance of finding the right therapist and not giving up on therapy if the first attempt is not successful.
Megan describes Keith as grounded and settled, suggesting that therapy may not be necessary for someone with his demeanor. However, Williams acknowledges that therapy can benefit individuals with different personalities and dispositions. He believes that therapy offers a sense of purpose, mission, and humility, and helps maintain a balanced perspective on life.
We know that therapy can benefit everyone, regardless of their life experiences or personality traits. While individuals may find solace and healing through other means, such as being in service to others, formal therapy provides a unique and valuable opportunity for personal growth, self-reflection, and emotional well-being. It is important for individuals to recognize the potential benefits of therapy and to seek professional help when needed. Therapy is not limited to those who have experienced trauma or significant hardships; it is a tool that can benefit anyone who wishes to lead a more fulfilling and joyful life.
Therapy can be transformative.
Megan and Keith begin with a discussion about their introspective nature and whether they are more introverted or extroverted. Megan denies being introspective, but Keith disagrees, stating that he can see the reflectiveness in the her. This exchange highlights the importance of self-reflection and internal processing, which are key components of therapy.
The conversation then shifts to Keith’s approach in therapy, with Megan describing him as boisterous and humorous. He acknowledges this but also emphasizes the value of being wild and pushing boundaries in the therapy room. They mention Carl Whitaker, a therapy hero known for his unconventional and wild approach, as an inspiration. This is the transformative potential of therapy, as it allows individuals to explore different aspects of themselves and challenge their beliefs and behaviors.
Keith also believes in the importance of improvisation in therapy, as there is no way to predict what clients will say or feel. He describes therapy as exhilarating and emphasizes the need for therapists to be present and adaptable.
Keith has training in hypnosis and therapy, which he describes as priceless in terms of personal growth and development. He expresses his amazement at how there is always something new and exciting to learn in therapy.
Megan then asks Keith about his own experience with therapy and what it would take for him to seek therapy. He reflects on his tendency to only make changes or take risks when something substantial happens in his life. However, he expresses openness to suggestions and acknowledges that he may benefit from therapy if approached by the right person.
Premarital counseling is beneficial.
Premarital counseling is beneficial for couples who are preparing to get married. We know the positive impact that premarital counseling can have on a relationship. The couple interviewed in the podcast had undergone premarital counseling before getting married, and they credit it with helping them build a successful and lasting marriage.
One of the benefits of premarital counseling is the opportunity for therapy without even realizing it. The couple mentions that their premarital counseling sessions can be considered a form of therapy. This suggests that premarital counseling can provide couples with the tools and skills necessary for a healthy and fulfilling relationship, even if they do not initially recognize it as therapy.
The couple’s long-lasting marriage of 29 years is also attributed to the premarital therapy they received. They acknowledge that the therapy they underwent before getting married must have played a role in their successful marriage. There is great effectiveness of premarital counseling in helping couples navigate the challenges and conflicts that may arise in a marriage.
The couple expresses gratitude towards the therapist they worked with and credits them with creating a safe and supportive environment for their therapy sessions. They also mention the importance of having a free consultation with a therapist before beginning therapy. This allows individuals to determine if the therapist is a good fit for them and if they feel comfortable opening up and sharing their concerns.
In addition to premarital counseling, we also touch on the broader benefits of therapy. Therapists have experience working with individuals, couples, families, adolescents, and children, as well as addressing issues such as chemical dependency. This demonstrates the wide range of issues that therapy can help individuals and couples navigate, highlighting the benefits of seeking therapy.
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Listen to this Episode of the Shifting Our Shit (S.O.S.) Podcast HERE! this Episode of the Shifting Our Shit (S.O.S.) Podcast HERE!
