Dating A Therapist: Good Or Bad?

Last Updated on August 31, 2023 by Lori Pace

The benefits of dating a therapist include their ability to listen, be patient and take an active interest in the relationship’s well-being. They’re always looking at everything and your friends will want their advice. But does dating a therapist only have perks?

A therapist can be like winning the lottery. Your therapy is free for twenty-four-seven days! You might think it sounds too good to be true. Therapists are people-whisperers that you don’t have to explain to, because they already know everything. Is it really worth dating a therapist? Is the “therapy hat” ever worn?

Therapists are not allowed to use their time. It may be difficult to make time to see your partner enough to establish a relationship between hospital patients, private patients, and institutions. Therapists are unique beings who may not be experts in life, but have done enough reflection to discover who they really are and what they desire. These are other things you should consider when you fall for a therapist .

What To Expect When Dating A Therapist

One thing is that a relationship with a therapist requires you to have a lot of confidence . Their passion is to understand the human personality. They will find it out, whether they’re shopping or playing tennis. They are able to adjust their nature in the same way that an interior decorator cannot ignore certain patterns or color schemes in a room. 

These are just a few of the characteristics you will see when dating a therapist.

  • Passionate about processing emotions. Even if they don’t think you are communicative, they’ll insist that you talk about the issues until you both feel satisfied. Therapists tend to be reluctant to let go of things.
  • Intently asking questions and eager to meet their partner’s requirements. They are often the ones who cause awkwardness, and they thrive in awkward situations.
  • Know how to express what they want from a situation, and can remember specific details when you describe yours. They value quality time with their partners and are happy to receive and declare words of affirmation or affection.
  • Will make impulsive decisions , even though they are trying to slow down. They have already ten times over-analyzed the situation in their heads.
  • A peculiar characteristic of them is their strange ability to remain calm in the midst of arguments. When patients become unstable, therapists must remain calm under pressure. If there is an intense discussion, they remain composed.

10 Reasons Why Dating A Therapist Is A Good Decision

It’s exciting to be a therapist. You will discover new things about yourself every day by being with therapists. They are trustworthy and understanding. They will most likely be able to tell you when you need to be alone, but they will push you to your limits in subtle ways.

Dating A Therapist Is A Good Decision
There are many reasons why you should date a therapist.

These are just a few reasons to date a therapist.

  1. Already know who they are. They have been forced to examine their lives and question everything and able to decide what they want out of a relationship, and also their limitations.
  2. Offer excellent advice. They have learned from their patients how to overcome challenges through sharing their experiences and listen intently and can solve any situation with ease.
  3. Will probably understand what your going through. Therapists have a deep understanding of the human psyche and its symptoms. They can accurately predict your mood and feelings without you even saying a word.
  4. Care deeply. Psychology students are motivated to help others. They care deeply about individuals’ mental health and may be just as concerned about you.
  5. Therapists are able to adapt. They hate being stagnant. They are open to change and welcome new opportunities in their lives.
  6. Thrive in stressful situations. They are often confronted with serious issues like addiction, suicide, depression, or other mental health problems. They can be calm and collected when they have to deal with everyday situations.
  7. Therapists can keep secrets. They have to keep their patients’ confidence every day. It is part of their Hippocratic oath. It’s difficult to not transfer your ability to protect the secrets of your partner into your personal life when trustworthiness is part of your professional career.
  8. Won’t judge you. They learn from their mistakes and are able to not be judgmental. When confronted with complex issues, they must remain impartial and non-judgmental.
  9. Enjoy a stable career. Although life isn’t all about money, it’s important to know that your partner earns more than average and your relationship should be financially stable.
  10. Highly intelligent. Therapists are skilled at connecting the dots even when they don’t see them. Your conversations will be the most interesting you’ll ever have.

Does A Therapist Ever Stop Analyzing While Dating?

Because it is in their nature, therapists analyze. They try to tighten the loose screws. They spend their time studying patients and helping them to adjust any aspects of their lives that may have become out of balance.

Then they also try to be open to all differences when they leave work and to see people with an open mind. A therapist telling another to stop analyzing is like an interior decorator telling another to stop matching colors. It’s part and parcel of their being. It is their natural response to situations that makes the case make sense.

Reasons Why Dating A Therapists Might Not Be For You

Reasons Why Dating A Therapists Might Not Be For You

Although it may feel like you have finally found someone who understands you and can help you through your problems, it could be a false sense of security. Therapists can be human, and they sometimes need to let go of the “therapist hat.”

Therapy is a profession that helps people

Sometimes, however, they must separate their work and their personal lives . Therapists need to be human and deal with their own trials. This job does not provide an income, but requires administrative procedures such as running the practice or receiving payment.

Therapists are not perfect

While they may have the answers to all your problems, they also have flaws . They are only humans with doubts and insecurities.

Every job involves an exchange of goods and services for remuneration

Therapists’ “goods” is their time. Therapists’ time is precious and is in constant demand from patients, hospitals, or other like-minded individuals. They may need to take some time for themselves, to allow them to reflect and create a lasting memory.

Like everyone else, therapists need a break from their role as therapists.

Sometimes, they just need to be human and a person with a family without being asked a lot of thought-provoking questions about the lives of others. They want to be treated as people, not just as therapists.

Occupational Hazards For A Therapist

This requires a special type of person to be objective, non-judgmental and emotionally detached enough to help and support their patients without bringing the side effects. The occupational danger for therapists is that they are still human.

No matter how hard they try to keep their private life separate from their clients’, their clients can inadvertently have an impact on the therapist in unexpected ways. 

On a side note, here are some potential dangers associated with being a therapist:

  • It is possible that the stress associated with this role becomes too much.
  • This requires being a therapist or responsible for the well-being of another person.
  • The complex balance between managing clients’ confidentiality, and their intimate personal lives.
  • It is very difficult to isolate the work environment.
  • The traumatic experiences of clients affect them through their empathy and vulnerability.
  • They feel unsafe and uneasy because of the constantly changing standards.
  • It is a constant stress to run a practice while meeting all demands.

How To Help The Therapist You’re Dating

There are few ways that you can support your therapist’s partner. However, there are some things you can do in your life to reduce occupational stress. Here are some suggestions.

  • Do not underestimate these risks. Each therapist’s approach to work is different. Allow them to “recover,” from traumas that seem to have a lasting impact.
  • Keep in touch with people who aren’t directly related to their careers.
  • They can seek out consultations from conversant peers to share their stress professionally.
  • They are just human and therefore vulnerable to emotions.
  • You must ensure that they have balanced work and rest. As much as your patients, ensure that their self-care is a top priority. Make sure to take regular vacations to turn off.
  • Set reasonable expectations regarding their work load, their responsibilities, as well as what they can offer the relationship.

Why You Shouldn’t Try To Be Your Date’s Therapist

Shouldn’t Try To Be Your Date’s Therapist
If dating is the same as a therapy session, will you enjoy it?

Everybody has been in a relationship with someone they feel the need to help. It would be better if you didn’t try to break the line and become their therapist, or even savior. A romantic relationship is one where both of you are in a committed and equal partnership. If one of you is superior, it can lead to a relationship that is unhealthy and unbalanced.

Love should be enough

People believe that you shouldn’t do anything for someone you love if they are your partner. This may be true to a certain extent, but it doesn’t mean you should get involved in the emotional baggage of your partner and try to ease their burden.

Every person has the responsibility to take care of themselves financially, emotionally, and physically. It can be more harmful than helpful to try and get involved in your partner’s problems.

You are not their parent

While your partner might have learned moral lessons in their life, it is not necessary to try and make up for any missing experiences. Your partner should recognize they need help and want guidance.

They cannot make this choice for you. It is possible to advise them that they can abandon an issue or take up substance abuse. But they must follow the steps.

Lori Pace
Lori Pace

Lori Pace is a single mother of three daughters ages 7 and under. As a working mom from home, she balances kids, work and two crazy dogs with humor and love. Follow Lori as she honestly gives tips and advice based on her own experiences as a single mom!