When people find out I’m a therapist, one of the first questions I get (right after “Are you analyzing me right now?” 🙄) is:

“So… do therapists go to therapy?”

Short answer: Yes.

Long answer: YES, obviously. Please don’t make me explain this while I’m still holding my iced coffee.

Let me break it down.

1. Therapists are humans, not robots in cardigans.

Contrary to popular belief, we don’t power down at night and recharge on a docking station next to a stack of DSM-5s. We have stress, arguments, awkward family holidays, and the occasional “why did I say that out loud in Target?” moment. Therapy is where we process our own stuff so we don’t drag it into someone else’s session.

2. You wouldn’t trust a dentist with no teeth.

Think about it: would you really take advice on oral hygiene from someone who chews with their gums? Exactly. Therapists need to practice what we preach. Going to therapy keeps us emotionally flossed and cavity-free.

3. Everyone needs someone to talk to.

Even therapists. Especially therapists. Listening to people’s stories all day is a privilege—but it can also feel like carrying a hundred invisible backpacks. Sometimes we need a safe place to take one off, set it down, and sigh dramatically.

4. Therapy isn’t just for when life falls apart.

Therapists don’t only go when we’re crying in the shower, eating ice cream straight from the tub (though—no judgment if that happens). Therapy is also about growth, self-awareness, and having a neutral person ask: “Have you considered you might be overcommitting because you hate saying no?” Ouch. Thanks. Needed that.

5. Funny thing about perspective…

We’re amazing at spotting other people’s blind spots. But our own? Not so much. It’s like trying to read a bumper sticker while you’re driving the car. A therapist for a therapist helps us zoom out, laugh at our patterns, and maybe—just maybe—stop dating people who remind us of our high school ex.

The Big Truth

Do therapists go to therapy? Absolutely. Not because we’re weak, broken, or bad at our jobs—but because we’re human. And humans need humans.

Honestly, everyone does. Whether you’re a therapist, an accountant, or someone who still hasn’t figured out how to fold a fitted sheet (no shame), having someone to talk to every once in a while makes life lighter.

So yes, therapists go to therapy. And if you ever catch your therapist heading into their own appointment, just know—they’re walking the talk.

And probably still holding that iced coffee.