Ever notice how this work changes you in ways you never saw coming? I’m not just talking about your skills in the therapy room. I mean how it rewires your social life, shapes your relationships, and even shifts the way you see the world.

In this episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, I’m getting real about the pros and cons of being a therapist, from the hilarious moments (like when someone at a party freezes the second they hear what you do) to the harder stuff, like managing boundaries when friends overshare or feeling pressure to always have it “together.”

We’ll talk about how this profession can deepen your compassion, expand your tolerance for life’s gray areas, and connect you to a bigger sense of purpose. We’ll also explore how it can leave you isolated, burnt out, or disconnected from your own feelings if you’re not paying attention. Most importantly, I’ll share why having real, non-judgy friendships with other therapists is essential for staying well in this work.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Why This Work Changes You

02:03 Overcoming Therapist Isolation and Building Community

04:24 Social Shifts When People Learn You’re a Therapist

08:09 Setting Boundaries and Managing Oversharing

12:01 How Therapy Work Deepens Compassion and Understanding

14:03 Burnout Risks and Essential Self-Care Competencies

18:01 Identity, Pressure, and the “Have It All Together” Trap

21:08 Why Friendships with Other Therapists Matter

24:57 Positive Ways the Profession Transforms You

So, how has being a therapist changed you? Have you noticed shifts in your social life or even in how you see yourself? Are you giving as much attention to your own well-being as you do to your clients?

If this episode hits home, I’d love for you to check out my Free CEU Training Library For Therapists. It’s full of on-demand resources to help you strengthen yourself as a clinician and as a human. And let’s connect on LinkedIn so we can keep these conversations going.

I also want to hear from you. Your feedback, your questions about past episodes, and the topics you’d love me to cover next are always welcome! Share your thoughts with me here. If this episode resonated with you, think of a colleague, friend, or fellow therapist who might appreciate it too, and pass it along so we can keep these meaningful conversations moving through our community!

xoxo,

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

Growing Self