Are therapists as judgmental as people make them out to be?
38 Answers
Moderated by Anna Pavia, psicologa psicoterapeuta psychotherapist psychologist counselor
Updated: Aug 16, 2021
Anonymous
on
Apr 8, 2015
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Any good therapist is non-judgemental, non-biased, and generally non-confrontational (exceptions apply to this, such as therapeutic confrontation). This means that whatever you bring to therapy is not judged or thought to be ridiculous or outlandish. These are your personal challenges are they are there to help. Bear ind mind that sometimes it may take a change of therapist to find someone you really 'click' with.
Often times people who have bad experience with a therapist portrays them in a negative light. Sometimes people go to therapy with the idea that the therapist will give them all of the answers to their problems, and say 'this is what you need to do', but it does not usually happen.
Judgmental feelings can sometimes happen when the therapist and client meet an impasse in therapy and the therapist raises a question or topic which is sensitive. Sometimes the client can feel like they are being judged when the therapist is trying to help them identify various things, such as negative thinking.
If you feel this way, bring it up with your therapist.
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Neil22713
on
Apr 1, 2015
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Therapists work for some individuals and not others but we all need someone to talk to. They are trained to not judge so if you find one that you do not feel comfortable with, DO NOT STAY! Their whole job is to help you understand things not hinder you
SarahG
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Mar 24, 2015
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Therapists are simply people - just like the listeners on 7 Cups. Not everyone is going to be perfect, or a right fit for you. If you're concerned about interacting with a therapist you can often times find online reviews of therapists in your area to help you make an informed decision.
Alwaysdreamin
on
Apr 10, 2015
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Therapists are trained to not be biased. They also work with many types of people and issues so they are usually not surprised at your problem or judgmental. This is their job as a professional. If you do have a therapist that you feel is judging you, find a new one. Most are kind, compassionate, and do not judge. It is in their job requirements and they do it everyday all day. If you have a therapist, trust them if you can. Good question.
Anonymous
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Oct 10, 2016
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Some might be?? lol Just as you can't assume every mechanic, painter, even priest is the same it is important to choose the right therapist. Ask a lot of questions, make your wants and needs clear. Trust your gut. I believe in open communication with my cients. If you disagree or are concerned just say it and we will talk through it.
Anonymous
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Apr 10, 2015
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In my experience, some will be. As with any profession, there are very good and some not very good. Therapists are also people, and not robots, so clearly they will have some level of judgement; we all do. But the good ones will ignore any judgement they make on you and focus solely on why you are there, and try to work through your issues.
JaideS6
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Apr 11, 2015
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No! I've been to therapists and they are not judgmental at all! They helped me out a ton and they are there to listen and help you get through the situation you need help with! Try one out!!
MirauzeAkilah
on
Apr 17, 2015
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It all depends on what therapist you have, I tend to feel around before I talk to one. I try to get to know them, have a couple sessions with one before revealing anything to personal or deep. I have found not many are, and they keep everything confidential so it wouldn't matter anyways. They are there to help you not judge you.
Anonymous
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Apr 23, 2015
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From my past experience, I would say no. I think it all depends on finding the right therapist for you. Luckily, I found the right therapist early in my search for professional help. It just depends on the therapist honestly.
Amanda9715
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Apr 30, 2015
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The therapist that I had, was not. It's a big part of their job to stay objective and make a safe place for you.
Rainbows94
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May 8, 2015
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From personal experience, therapists are non-judgmental. People might exaggerate and put stigma on mental health issues, which in fact they are mostly false. You can discuss any issues and the therapist treats you with dignity and respect. You could express actions you've done, your sexuality, and things that you might think someone would look down upon, but a skilled therapist never looks down on you and makes you feel accepted and loved.
Dovah
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May 27, 2015
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A therapist is not at all judgmental. They're there to help you, not judge you, they aren't allowed to be judgmental, and they want to be there for you, and they wouldn't have gone into that profession if they didn't have you as their concern :}
caringBliss27
on
May 28, 2015
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While some may be, most are just wanting to help you and give you the extra support you need to overcome your challenges. In order for therapy to be as beneficial as possible, you have to feel like you have a connection to your therapist. If you attend the first session and feel judged by them, it's time to try another therapist you feel comfortable with and trust. Don't be afraid to see different therapists until you find the one you feel is the best fit for you.
UniqueLife
on
Jun 6, 2015
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no. they are not supposed to judge you, or anything that resembles it. if that happens, please look for another therapist.
Anonymous
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Jun 24, 2015
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A therapist/a counsellors job is not to be judgemental and to be accepting, but its also human nature to judge and form opinions about people. So its a matter of whether the therapist is trained enough not to judge and to be accepting of your problems but I'd say a majority of them are non judgemental because that's what they train for.
TheThomas
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Jun 29, 2015
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No no no no NO. Some people might have chosen a bad therapist for them, and that might be what you heard. But therapy is such a marvelous tool. Therapy saved my life.
Oreo
on
Jul 21, 2015
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Therapists are like any other professional occupation. The only thing some of them could have in common is the name of their job, and they can vary from one another in terms of personality and style. Therapists are trained to deal with people's issues, so they've likely found a lot of people who are unsettled or unbalanced or in a bad place. Some therapists will be professional about it and just do their jobs, others may talk to their fellow therapists about it. It's more of a case-by-case basis.
Anonymous
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Aug 18, 2015
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Absolutely not. If you find the right therapist, they become your best friend. They are definitely not judge mental.
DonnieHarth
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Nov 23, 2015
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Sometimes, they can be, but not always. You want to find one that isn't, and fits you well. If you run into a therapist who is judging you and is trying to change any part of you that is not an issue and or not helpful, do not hesitate to drop them and find another.
AlmightyGena
on
Dec 15, 2015
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Not all therapists are as judgmental as people say, there are a wide spectrum of therapists out there. Some are judgmental but if you get a good one they will simply listen to what you have to say.