Talking Therapy

Talking about therapy can feel like a leap into the unknown. For many, it’s deeply personal, even intimidating, but sharing your therapy journey with loved ones can also be a powerful tool for connection and growth. In this blog, we’ll explore the complexities of discussing therapy with others—when to open up, how to do it thoughtfully, and why it matters.

Therapy has come a long way in terms of public perception, yet stigma still lingers. Discussing your therapy journey with loved ones can be a crucial step in breaking down these barriers.

When you talk openly about therapy, you help to normalise it Instead of viewing therapy as something secretive or shameful, your openness frames it as a proactive and empowering step toward well-being. This shift in perspective doesn’t just benefit you—it can inspire others to reflect on their own mental health.

Normalising conversations about therapy also fosters understanding. Loved ones may not fully grasp what therapy entails or why you’ve chosen it, but your openness can pave the way for deeper empathy and support.

Before diving into these conversations, it’s worth weighing the pros and cons. Sharing your therapy experience isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision—it’s deeply personal.

Benefits:

• Builds trust and openness in relationships.
• Helps reduce stigma around mental health.
• Encourages others to seek help if needed.
• Provides a support network to lean on during tough times.

Challenges:

• Risk of misunderstanding or judgement from others.
• Feeling vulnerable or exposed.
• Pressure to share more than you’re comfortable with.
• Potential for unsolicited advice that might not align with your therapy goals.

Opening up to family about therapy can feel daunting , but it also has the potential to strengthen bonds. Families often serve as our first support system, and sharing your journey can foster a sense of closeness and mutual understanding.

Start by explaining why you chose therapy and what you hope to achieve. Use simple language to describe how it’s helping you grow or cope with challenges. Remember, your aim isn’t to justify yourself—it’s to invite your family into your world.

It’s also helpful to manage expectations. Let them know you’re not seeking solutions from them but rather sharing your experience to deepen your connection. Be patient if they need time to adjust, especially if therapy wasn’t part of their worldview growing up.

Discussing therapy with friends can feel less formal than talking to family, but it still requires boundaries. While close friends may be eager to hear about your journey, it’s essential to strike a balance between sharing and oversharing.

Start by assessing your friend’s openness to the topic. A simple comment like, “I’ve been working on some things in therapy, and it’s been really helpful,” can open the door for further discussion if they’re interested.

Avoid turning casual catch-ups into therapy sessions. While it’s great to have friends who listen and support you, they shouldn’t feel like your unpaid therapist. If they ask questions, share only what feels comfortable, and don’t hesitate to steer the conversation in a different direction if it feels too intense.

Navigating conversations about therapy in dating can feel tricky. When’s the right time to bring it up? How much should you share?

There’s no rulebook for this, but timing is key. Bringing it up too soon—say, on the first date—can feel overwhelming, while waiting too long might create a sense of secrecy. A good middle ground is to share once you feel comfortable and see potential in the relationship.

Approach the conversation with confidence. Framing therapy as a tool for personal growth rather than a sign of struggle can help potential partners see it in a positive light. There’s even lists and examples as to Why dating someone who is in therapy can be beneficial. Conversation starters can include, “I’ve been in therapy, and it’s really helped me understand myself better”. This positions therapy as a strength rather than a vulnerability.

Sharing your therapy journey with trusted individuals can enhance its impact. A supportive network acts as a sounding board, offering encouragement and accountability.

Findings indicate “that most patients are moderately self-disclosing to their confidants about their therapy, endorse highly positive attitudes regarding such disclosure, and report primarily positive feelings after disclosing personal information about their therapy to their confidants.”
It’s not just about talking either. For example, if you’re working on setting boundaries in therapy, practising with loved ones who understand your goals can solidify those skills. Moreover, having someone to celebrate small victories with—like speaking up for yourself or managing anxiety—can reinforce your progress.

You can also choose how you do it. For example social media has empowered individuals to publicly share their personal experiences, and encountering public mental illness disclosures on these platforms is becoming increasingly common. Findings show that “exposure to public disclosure on social media was frequently associated with a reduction in stigma”. Due to the volatile nature of social media this isn’t guaranteed however.

It’s also crucial to choose your confidants wisely. Seek out people who respect your journey and won’t minimise your experiences. The right support can amplify therapy’s benefits, but the wrong responses may set you back.

In such cases, education is key. You might explain that therapy isn’t just for crises—it’s a proactive way to work on yourself, much like going to the gym for physical health. Sharing articles or videos about the benefits of therapy can also help shift their perspective.

If someone remains unsupportive, remember that their reaction isn’t a reflection of your choices. Set boundaries to protect your progress, prioritise yourself and lean on those who uplift and encourage you.

While sharing your therapy journey can be rewarding, it’s also fine to keep it private. Therapy is a deeply personal process, and not everyone needs to be privy to it.

Ask yourself: What’s my intention in sharing? If it’s to seek validation or approval, it might be worth reflecting on whether those needs can be met elsewhere. Similarly, if you’re unsure how someone will react, it’s perfectly fine to wait until you feel ready.

Privacy isn’t secrecy—it’s self-protection. By setting boundaries  around your therapy journey, you ensure that it remains a safe space for your growth and healing.

One of the most powerful outcomes of discussing therapy is the ripple effect it creates. When you share your experience, you show others that seeking help is not only normal but beneficial.

Your story might resonate with someone who’s been hesitant to start therapy or who feels isolated in their struggles. By normalising the conversation, you encourage others to take that first step toward mental well-being. In the study Stopping the Stigma. How Empathy and Reflectiveness Can Help Reduce Mental Health Stigma  we learn “These results draw attention to the role of reflectiveness in mediating empathy-attitude effects, but also shed light on the effect of authentic testimonials’ self-disclosure.”

Whether you choose to share it widely or keep it close, the important thing is that it’s yours. By navigating these conversations thoughtfully, you can foster connection, reduce stigma, and perhaps even inspire someone else to begin their own journey toward healing.