<\/span>The Emotional State of the Therapist<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Just like everyone else, therapists have feelings, too. They may even have emotional reactions to the things their clients say during a therapy session. However, a therapist is professionally trained to hold back many of their emotional responses to remain focused on their clients. The time in the therapy room is devoted to listening to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is up to the therapist to create an environment where you, the paying client, can share your innermost thoughts and feelings. Even when you share uncomfortable stories and feelings, the therapist should remain professional. But there may be times when it may be appropriate for a therapist to share what they are feeling, even feelings of anger and disappointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Pros & Cons of the Shared Emotional Response<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, the therapist is trained to provide a non-judgmental space where their clients can express a vulnerable side of themselves. This establishes trust between the two parties when the client can openly share what they are feeling without the fear of being judged. Therapists will use techniques like reflective listening to maintain that sense of trust. It shows that they are paying attention and invested in what you are saying. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is the art of reconstructing what you are saying and relaying it back to you; it demonstrates that the therapist has heard and understands what you are trying to communicate. This can enhance the client\/therapist relationship in a positive way. It may even open the door for the therapist to share some of their thoughts, ideas, and advice to help the client further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During a therapy session, a client may share a story that could spur an emotional response like laughter, sadness, or anger. If there is an established trust in the therapeutic relationship, a therapist may be inclined to share that response as a form of reflective listening openly. It can also be used to further the insight of the client. For example, if the client says something that triggers an angry response, the therapist can communicate back to the client, “when you said that, I had a feeling of anger.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

By saying this, the therapist is merely stating an honest response to what was just said. They could go on to say, “have others had a similar response when you shared that story, and if so, how does that feel for you?” By doing this, the therapist is helping the client gain insight and more awareness of their statements or behaviors. The therapist thereby returns the client’s attention so they can continue to share how they are feeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This may be a common technique seen in a therapy session. Even though the therapist had an angry response, they know to focus on the client’s feelings to continue therapeutic engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If, however, a therapist has an angry response and outwardly expresses that to the client without therapeutic purpose, it could damage the client\/therapist relationship. When a therapist gets angry or expresses disappointment at what you say, this may result in diminished trust. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may feel judged and less likely to share information with your therapist in the future. Instead of feeling empowered in the therapy session, you may feel shame. With the therapist getting angry, it could indicate personal issues the therapist has that have nothing to do with the client.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Therapeutic Transference<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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