Should it be a Therapist’s Job to get You out of Therapy?

This question sits in my head, and I don’t think there truly is an answer.

Therapy and counselling are so important, and services should never be denied for folks in need. No one should ever feel shame for seeking help.

I think this question arises from the idea that people may come to counselling to feel better rather than making changes in their lives that could actually improve their life situation.

Could therapy be just another ‘drug’ to make folks feel better without actual changing anything? I think it’s a question worth asking.

If this is the case, maybe therapy is doing more harm than good. It could be most likely helping folks avoid making the changes they need to because rather than feeling so bad they are forced to make changes, they find an outlet in the weekly therapy sessions with someone that has unconditional positive regard, is on their side, and has complete empathy.

If this is the case for some folks who go to therapy, then it needs to be asked, ‘is this therapeutic approach not a good fit for this client?’.

On the other hand, maybe this is what is keeping them going in an unchangeable and unmanageable life situation. Maybe without our support, they would no longer be on this earth…

I think this is a big question… and I would love to hear what people think.