Written by Samantha Carter

Therapy provides participants an opportunity to take a journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth. Still, there are some common misconceptions about what therapists can actually do. That’s why we will explore the ins and outs of what therapists can’t do for their clients in this article. By understanding these boundaries, you can set yourself up for a more effective and realistic therapeutic experience to support your overall mental and emotional well-being.

#1: Therapists Can’t Do the Healing Work for You

Therapists can provide guidance, tools, and support, but the actual healing work is up to you. They can help you understand your feelings and behaviors, but they can’t change them for you. Personal growth and healing require active participation and effort from the person seeking therapy. In other words—there’s no magic pill or perspective that can quickly fix your problems.

#2: Therapists Can’t Force You to Share Something You Don’t Want To

A therapist should never force you to discuss something you’re not ready to talk about. Therapy should be a safe space where you feel comfortable sharing at your own pace. If you feel pressured to disclose information, it’s essential to communicate your boundaries and seek another professional opinion, if necessary.

#3: Therapists Won’t Judge or Criticize You

A good therapist provides a non-judgmental space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace. Their role is to support and understand, not to judge or criticize your experiences or choices. That doesn’t mean your therapist won’t ever challenge you at times. However, their feedback should remain neutral and solution-oriented, as opposed to harsh and condemning.

#4: Therapists Can’t Solve Your Problems for You

Therapists can help you develop strategies to tackle your issues, but they won’t solve your problems for you. Instead, they empower you to find your own solutions and make the decisions that are best for you.

#5: Therapists Can’t Make Decisions for You

While therapists can offer guidance and support, they won’t make decisions on your behalf. Rather, their goal is to help you develop the skills and confidence to make your own informed choices.

#6: Therapists Won’t Act as a Friend

Therapists maintain a professional relationship with their clients. While they are supportive and empathetic, their role is not to be your friend. This boundary ensures that the focus remains on your therapeutic goals, as opposed to telling you what they think you want to hear.

#7: Therapists Can’t Prescribe Medication (Unless They’re a Psychiatrist)

Most therapists – such as psychologists, counselors, and social workers – are not licensed to prescribe medication. Therefore, if you need medication, they will need to refer you to a psychiatrist or another medical professional.

#8: Therapists Can’t Provide a Quick Fix

Therapy is a process that takes time. There are no quick fixes or instant solutions. Progress may be gradual, so it’s essential to be patient with yourself throughout the process. If you’re hoping that therapy will provide a quick fix, you’ll likely need to shift your expectations.

#9: Therapists Can’t Guarantee Outcomes

Therapists cannot guarantee specific outcomes or results. Every individual’s journey is unique, and therefore success in therapy depends on various factors, including your personal commitment and the therapeutic relationship itself. If you aren’t seeing the results you’re looking for, you may want to consider either adjusting your strategy, your expectations, or trying out a new therapist.

#10: Therapists Won’t Share Your Confidential Information

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of therapy. Therapists are not only ethically, but also legally, bound to keep your information private, with a few exceptions related to safety concerns. Therefore, you can expect that they won’t share your personal details without your consent.

#11: Therapists Won’t Take Sides

A therapist’s role is to help you understand different perspectives and find your path, not to take sides or align with one viewpoint over another. Instead, therapists seek to provide unbiased support to help you navigate your unique issues in a compassionate and professional manner.

#12: Therapists Can’t Continue Therapy Indefinitely

Therapy is meant to be a time-limited process. While some people engage in therapy long-term, the goal is to equip you with the tools and insights you need to manage your challenges independently. Even in long-term therapy, therapists eventually retire and move on. Therefore, it’s important to focus on supporting sustainable outcomes.

#13: Therapists Can’t Fix Someone Else for You

A therapist (or anyone else for that matter) can’t change another person or fix someone on your behalf. If you’re seeking therapy to change someone else’s behavior, it’s crucial to focus on what you can control: your reactions and coping strategies. While interpersonal conflict may have brought you to therapy, focusing on yourself is what will help you make the most of it.

#14: Therapists Can’t Work Outside Their Expertise

Ethical therapists work within the scope of their training and expertise. Therefore, if your issues are beyond their capabilities, they should refer you to a specialist who can provide you with the appropriate care you need.

#15: Therapists Can’t Avoid Their Own Biases and Mistakes

Therapists are human and can make mistakes or have implicit biases. That’s why it’s important to address any concerns you have with your therapist right away. If you feel they’re not providing you with the support you need, it may be time to seek a new therapist.

When to Seek a New Therapist

Therapists, like all professionals, are not infallible. They can make mistakes, and it’s crucial to recognize when the therapeutic relationship is no longer beneficial for either or both parties. Below are some signs it might be time to seek a new therapist.

  • Lack of Progress: If you feel stuck and aren’t making progress, despite your efforts, it may be time to look into different therapy options.
  • Discomfort: If you feel consistently uncomfortable or misunderstood, you’re probably not with the right therapist.
  • Boundary Issues: If your therapist crosses professional boundaries, it’s important to report them to any necessary authorities and remove yourself from that relationship immediately.
  • Bias: If you perceive bias or judgment that hinders your progress, consider switching to a new provider. It’s important that you feel comfortable with the person you’re working so hard to be vulnerable with.
  • Unethical Behavior: If your therapist engages in unethical or inappropriate conduct, report them and terminate the relationship immediately.
  • Trust Your Instincts: If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to explore other options. Therapy is a personal journey, and finding the right therapist is crucial for your growth and healing.

What Therapists Can Help With

While there are many things therapists can’t help with, there are also many things they can do. Below is a list of things that therapy can help facilitate.

  • Provide Emotional Support: Therapists can offer a safe space to express your feelings and experiences.
  • Develop Coping Strategies: They help you build tools to manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges.
  • Enhance Self-Awareness: Therapists can guide you in understanding your thoughts, behaviors, and patterns.
  • Improve Relationships: They assist in developing healthier communication and relationship skills.
  • Support Personal Growth: Therapists can help you set and achieve personal goals.
  • Manage Mental Health Conditions: They provide evidence-based treatments for various mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more.
  • Navigate Life Transitions: Therapists offer support during significant life changes, such as loss, career shifts, or major decisions.
  • Encourage Healthy Habits: They promote lifestyle changes that enhance overall mental and emotional well-being.
  • Foster Resilience: Therapists help their clients build resilience to cope with life’s challenges.
  • Validate Your Experiences: They provide validation and acknowledgment of your experiences and feelings.

Therapists Can Offer Hope, Strength, and Guidance in the Face of Adversity

By understanding the boundaries and capabilities of therapy, you can have a more productive experience that prioritizes collaborative effort and active participation. With this awareness, you can also seek a new therapist if your current one isn’t working out. Your mental health is a priority. Therefore, finding the right support is crucial for your overall well-being.

While there are many things a therapist can’t do, there are also many things they can help with. Therapy offers a safe space to explore your inner world, develop new skills, and navigate life’s challenges with professional support. So make sure to seek help if you need it because life does get better when you work at it.

Therapy With Plus by APN

If you’re considering therapy or need support, reaching out to a therapist can be a transformative step. Here at Plus by APN, we offer comprehensive therapy services for people facing mental illness and/or struggling with life’s challenges.

With a focus on holistic healing, you can explore traditional mental health supports like therapy, psychiatry, and medication management. Additionally, we also offer several alternative therapies that can be combined with or discovered outside of traditional supports. These include cutting-edge treatments like Deep TMS, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, stellate ganglion block, ketamine treatment, and neurofeedback.

With both in-person and virtual therapy options that accept a wide range of insurance plans, Plus by APN offers something for everyone. To find out more about our therapy and/or other mental health services, book a free consult today or give us a call at 877.507.7675.

References

  • Celestine, Nicole. “How to Set Healthy Therapist-Client Relationship Boundaries.” PositivePsychology.Com, 7 Aug. 2024, positivepsychology.com/boundaries-psychology-therapy/.
  • “Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct.” American Psychological Association, American Psychological Association, www.apa.org/ethics/code. Accessed 20 Oct. 2024.
  • Hairston, Stephanie. “Filing a Complaint against a Therapist: Should I Do It or Not?” OpenCounseling, 27 May 2023, blog.opencounseling.com/filing-a-complaint-against-a-therapist/.
  • “Therapy and Confidentiality.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/therapy/therapy-and-confidentiality. Accessed 20 Oct. 2024.