The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy

Why It’s Hard for Therapists to Be Friends: Understanding Boundaries, Identity, and Reciprocity


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Why It’s Hard for Therapists to Be Friends

Curt and Katie chat about why therapists often struggle with friendships—especially with non-therapists. They explore the impact of emotional labor, overidentifying as caretakers, and the challenges of setting boundaries and expressing needs in personal relationships.


Key Takeaways:

  • Therapists often default to caretaking in friendships, especially if they have a history of being “the helper.”

  • Emotional exhaustion from client work can make socializing difficult.

  • Confidentiality and identity boundaries limit what therapists can share about their day.

  • Friendships become healthier when therapists drop the therapist role and prioritize reciprocity.

  • Intentional communication and boundary-setting help create sustainable relationships.

    More information and transcripts available at:
    https://mtsgpodcast.com

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    Creative Credits:

    Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano
    Voiceover by DW McCann


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    The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie VernoyBy Curt Widhalm, LMFT and Katie Vernoy, LMFT

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