As your child’s therapist, there are reasons we can’t be friends on social media. One, of course, is maintaining a professional boundary. The other is that you’d probably think I was a fraud. I’m not perfect. I can barely keep my kids from fighting or jumping off the bookcase when I’m out of the room.
In this profession, it’s imperative that I don’t share too many personal details. My therapy sessions are about my patients, not me. They are about their progress, not mine. They are about their stories, not my own.
I’ve been accused of being “perfect.” Of having all of the answers. Or giving all of the correct advice. But the thing is, that’s my job. I’m required to know what your child is supposed to be doing at any given age. It’s my job to coach parents on how to best work with their child. It’s my job to teach caregivers how to quell tantrums and set boundaries.
But the truth is my house is a mess. My kids scream and fight. I don’t get a shower on days I don’t work. My kids need extra help in school. I have PPT meetings too. I stress eat chocolate and hide in my bathroom when I need a break.
In many ways, I’m just like you. I just can’t show you that side of me.
You’ve come to me because of my expertise in my field, not for me to vent to you. So if you think your child’s therapist has the perfect life because we have all the answers for you, just know that we often don’t have those answers for ourselves.
