Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in the life of a
mental health therapist?
Do they spend their days in endless Zen, or do they feel as overwhelmed as the rest of us sometimes?
What makes them able to support others?
And do they have a therapist too?
In this post, we’ll dive into:
The daily routine of a mental health therapist
How they prepare to be fully present for clients
Their own mental health practices
What it takes to build trust with a therapist
1. Morning Prep: How Therapists Get Ready to Show Up for You
Setting Intentions for the Day
Therapists start their day a bit differently than most of us. The goal is to be as mentally and emotionally clear as possible so they can offer genuine support. Many begin with practices like meditation, journaling, or even a morning walk to clear their minds. It’s essential that they start their day grounded—kind of like an athlete warming up before a big game.
Reviewing Client Notes
Before their first appointment, therapists will spend time reviewing their client notes from previous sessions. This process helps them remember where each client left off, the goals they’re working toward, and any immediate needs that may have come up. Think of it as piecing together an ongoing story—therapists are skilled at keeping track of each unique journey so they can jump right back in.
Mental and Emotional Grounding
In between prepping for clients, therapists also check in with themselves. It’s a job requirement to be fully present, and that means being mindful of their own mental state. Some might practice deep breathing, others might review grounding exercises or affirmations, all aimed at preparing to be focused and engaged for the day’s sessions.
2. The Heart of the Day: Client Sessions and Active Listening
A Session Begins: What Actually Happens in the Therapy Room
Therapy sessions are where the magic happens, and they look a bit different from what you might expect. While clients might picture their therapist doling out advice, most of the time is actually spent listening—actively, attentively, and compassionately. Whether it’s via open-ended questions, gentle feedback, or just holding space, therapists strive to make clients feel safe and heard.
In the course of a day, therapists might see multiple clients back-to-back. This requires intense focus, as each client brings unique stories, challenges, and emotions. Switching from one person’s needs to the next takes incredible mental energy, and therapists are trained to stay present for each individual, letting them take the spotlight and guiding them without judgment.
The Value of Active Listening
If you’ve ever thought, “My therapist seems to get me so well,” it’s because they practice active listening, which goes far beyond hearing words.
They’re trained to pick up on subtle cues—changes in tone, pauses, shifts in body language—that reveal a lot about how a person feels and thinks.
3. Do Therapists See Their Own Therapists?
Absolutely. Mental health therapists often see therapists too, and here’s why: like anyone, they have their own challenges and emotions. They’re trained to help others, but that doesn’t make them immune to stress, sadness, or anxiety.
Many therapists go to therapy themselves to ensure they’re not carrying their own baggage into the therapy room. It’s how they continue to grow personally, work through life’s complexities, and remain mentally healthy enough to support others.
Therapists might also engage in regular supervision or peer counseling, where they meet with colleagues to discuss complex cases (while keeping clients anonymous, of course) and receive guidance. This isn’t because they’re unstable; rather, it’s a crucial part of maintaining a high standard of care and self-care. The better they care for themselves, the better they’re able to care for their clients.
4. Are Therapists Dealing with Their Own Issues? Can You Trust Them?
The Human Side of TherapyTherapists are humans with lives outside the therapy room. They might have families, hobbies, and personal challenges just like anyone else. But their training and personal commitment help them separate their own issues from those of their clients. Through years of training and practice, they’ve developed the skill of “compartmentalization”—being able to set aside their own experiences while they’re with clients.
When Self-Awareness Meets ProfessionalismThe most effective therapists are highly self-aware and continue to work on themselves. They have a genuine commitment to managing their own issues so that they don’t interfere with their clients’ progress. For instance, if a therapist is going through a challenging time, they might seek additional support or take measures to ensure that they’re still fully present for clients. Transparency and professionalism are key to their role, so you can trust that they’re doing the work behind the scenes to show up with strength and stability.
5. Between Sessions: Rest, Reflection, and Recharging
The Importance of Boundaries
After a few sessions, therapists often take short breaks to rest, hydrate, or simply breathe. Therapy requires deep emotional investment, and without boundaries, it’s easy to become exhausted. So they’ll make time for short breaks where they might read, take a short walk, or enjoy a quiet moment. This isn’t “slacking off”—it’s a necessary part of their process to stay present for each new client.
Reflecting on Client Progress
In the afternoon, therapists often review notes from the day and jot down follow-up points to consider. This helps them plan future sessions, revisit goals, and continuously check in on how each client is progressing.
6. Handling Their Own Self-Care: Staying Strong Outside of Work
Self-care is essential for therapists, who understand better than most the impact of burnout. They might engage in activities they encourage clients to try—exercise, meditation, connecting with loved ones, or unwinding with a hobby.
Just like they advise clients, they practice the principles of mental wellness in their own lives.
Some examples:
Exercise is a common choice because it reduces stress and boosts energy.
Meditation or mindfulness helps them stay centered.
Creative hobbies or time with family recharges them, reminding them of the joys outside of work.
7. Building Trust with Your Therapist: What You Should Know
Professional Standards and Ethics
Therapists abide by strict ethical guidelines and confidentiality rules, meaning they are bound to maintain privacy and uphold professionalism. A major part of training involves learning how to build trust with clients and create a safe, judgment-free space.
They’re Here for Your Journey, Not Theirs
While therapists bring empathy and insight, their role is not to impose their own beliefs or experiences onto clients. They’re trained to meet clients where they are, guide without judgment, and help clients reach their own conclusions. Trusting a therapist doesn’t mean trusting that they’re perfect; it means trusting that they’re committed to helping you find what’s best for you.
Final Thoughts: Therapists Are Guides, Not Gurus
Mental health therapists aren’t superheroes, nor are they infallible. But they are deeply committed individuals who invest significant time and energy into supporting others. They manage their own mental health carefully, seek supervision, and engage in self-care to show up as their best selves.
Therapists are, at their core, people who care about helping others feel heard, understood, and capable of change. So if you’re wondering whether you can trust your therapist—know that their mission is to help you thrive, and they do the work to make sure they’re fully there for the journey.
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