Unpopular Opinions in Therapy: A Candid Look at the Profession from a Therapist

To be fair, I don’t know if these are universally unpopular, but they certainly seem to be within the circles I run in. As a therapist, I’ve learned a lot over the years, and some of my beliefs may not align with common beliefs in the profession. Here are some of my more unconventional views on therapy and the mental health profession.

1) I Don’t Chase Clients: Responsibility is Key

In my practice, I make it clear to my clients that attending therapy sessions is their responsibility. I don’t chase them down if they miss an appointment, and I have a low late-cancel/no-show fee. I give clients up to an hour before their session to reach out if they can’t attend.

If they miss the session and don’t respond to my follow-up email offering to reschedule, it’s on them. I believe in respecting both my time and the client’s time. Therapy is a commitment, and that’s a message I stand by.

2) Therapy Should Be Affordable, But Not at My Expense

While I firmly believe that therapy should be accessible and affordable, I also recognize the importance of maintaining my financial well-being. As a result, I no longer offer discounted rates, though I continue to accept insurance. My current fees reflect the value of my time and expertise.

That being said, when necessary, I am committed to advocating for my clients to ensure they receive the coverage they deserve from their plan, and I do so without charging additional fees for this support. My goal is to help clients while also ensuring the sustainability of my practice.

3) The Power of Self-Disclosure in Therapy

I believe that self-disclosure, when done appropriately, can be powerful in therapy. Sharing personal struggles with clients can make them feel less isolated and inspire hope. However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t mean you should share everything. Only share what is likely to help the client in their journey. And it certainly doesn’t mean taking over the session or shifting the focus away from the client’s needs.

4) You Don’t Have to Revisit All Your Trauma

Sometimes, therapy doesn’t require digging into every past trauma. There are moments when clients are doing okay despite past painful experiences, and reopening those wounds may not be necessary for their healing. Therapy is about moving forward, not necessarily about constantly revisiting past pain unless it’s truly beneficial to their progress.

5) Diagnosis Isn’t Always the Most Important Thing

In therapy, diagnosis doesn’t always matter. Many diagnoses overlap in symptoms, and the focus should often be on addressing those using the most appropriate therapeutic techniques rather than getting bogged down in labels.

While a diagnosis is crucial when it comes to accessing resources or accommodations, the most important thing is how we can help clients improve their lives, regardless of the label attached to them.

6) Therapists Aren’t Always Great at Practicing What They Preach

I’ve seen it firsthand—some therapists are some of the worst at engaging in self-care. They embrace burnout, neglect their own mental health, and can be some of the most toxic people in their personal lives. We, as therapists, must be vigilant in caring for ourselves if we are to effectively care for others. Self-care is a necessity, not a luxury.

7) Ethics Is Easy When You Think About It

I believe ethics can be distilled into two fundamental principles. The first is simple: treat others with respect. By approaching each client as an individual and with a genuine desire to help, you can avoid many potential ethical challenges.

The second principle, which I still find hard to understand when others don’t adhere to it, is this: never engage in sexual relationships with your clients. There is absolutely no scenario in which this is acceptable.

Of course, ethics are more complex than these two rules, but these guiding principles help me navigate the client relationship in a way that prioritizes their well-being and avoids harm.

8) Cardigans Are Overrated

It’s just a personal opinion, but I find cardigans to be overrated. To me, they look more like bathrobes than professional attire. Fashion is subjective, but I don’t think they have much place in a professional setting.

9) Private Pay Practices Can Be Greed-Driven

I’ve always believed that private-pay-only practices can sometimes be driven by greed and contradict the core values of the therapy field. While there are legitimate reasons for such practices and have been tempted to do the same, financial exclusivity and only allowing clients who can afford $150 or more to receive services, it feels counter-productive to the ethics and values of the profession.

10) Becoming a Better Person is Still a Goal

Insurance likes to have measurable goals that can be completed in a specific timeframe. I firmly believe that working to become a better person than the day before is a valid goal. Therapy is not just about overcoming challenges but also about growth, self-improvement, and becoming the best version of yourself. Whether it’s personal growth, emotional intelligence, or building healthier relationships, therapy should aim to make us better, more whole individuals.

These views may not be mainstream, but they represent how I approach therapy and the profession as a whole. Therapy is a deeply personal journey, and I believe in creating a space where clients feel empowered, respected, and supported. Each therapist will have their own beliefs and approaches, but these are the guiding work for me and my approach with clients.

Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Therapy Journey?

If you're in Ohio and looking for a compassionate therapist to support your growth, I invite you to schedule a consultation with me. During this consultation, we'll discuss your goals, explore how I can assist you, and determine if we’re the right fit. Therapy is an important step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Click here to schedule your consultation. We’ll discuss your needs and how we can work together. If we’re a good fit, we’ll schedule regular sessions to start making progress toward your goals.

Don’t wait to prioritize your mental health. Contact me today to book your consultation and start the path to a better you.

The views expressed are mine and do not represent the profession as a whole or any other entity.