Therapist in Therapy: Why I Sit on the Other Side of the Couch Too

Written by: Natasha Gill MBACP

Psychotherapist in Hornchurch & Uxbridge | Online

Therapy for High-Achieving women experiencing burnout, stress, identity transitions, health struggles & burden of cultural expectations | Niche Therapy 

Published 26th May 2026

There’s something I don’t think we talk about enough in this profession:

Therapists need therapy too.

And not just during difficult seasons, burnout, grief, or life transitions. Therapy can be a steady, grounding space even when life appears “fine” on the outside.

I think there’s sometimes an assumption that therapists have everything figured out because we hold space for others every day. But the truth is, being a therapist doesn’t make me immune to stress, self-doubt, anxiety, relationship challenges, overwhelm, or the emotional weight of simply being human.

I’ve sat in both chairs — the therapist’s chair and the client’s chair — and honestly, being in therapy myself has made me a more compassionate therapist, a more reflective person, and a more connected version of myself.

What Therapy Has Given Me

Therapy has given me space.

Space to slow down.Space to hear myself clearly.Space to process emotions before they become too heavy to carry alone.

It’s helped me notice patterns I didn’t realise I was repeating.It’s helped me become kinder to myself.It’s reminded me that vulnerability isn’t weakness — it’s courage.

Some sessions have been emotional.Some have been uncomfortable.Some have felt incredibly relieving.And some have simply been a quiet exhale in the middle of a busy life.

But every time, I leave reminded that we were never meant to hold everything on our own.

Why I Believe So Deeply in Therapy

Because I know what it feels like to be heard without judgment.

I know what it feels like to sit with someone who gently helps you untangle thoughts that felt impossible to make sense of alone.

I know the relief of saying things out loud for the first time.

And I know how healing it can be when someone meets you with compassion instead of criticism.

Therapy isn’t about having a “big enough” problem.You don’t need to wait until things fall apart.

Sometimes therapy is about survival.Sometimes it’s about growth.Sometimes it’s about understanding yourself better.Sometimes it’s simply about wanting life to feel lighter.

If You’ve Been Thinking About Reaching Out

Maybe part of you has been carrying things quietly for a long time.

Maybe you keep telling yourself:

• “Other people have it worse.”

• “I should be able to handle this on my own.”

• “I don’t even know where to start.”

I hear this so often.

And I want you to know that therapy doesn’t require you to arrive with perfect words, a clear explanation, or a crisis.You can come exactly as you are.

You don’t have to have everything figured out before asking for support.

In fact, therapy can be the place where things begin to make sense.

A Gentle Reminder

Seeking therapy isn’t a sign that you’re failing.It’s often a sign that you’re finally choosing to care for yourself in a deeper way.

As therapists, we know the value of being supported.As humans, we need it too.

And if you’ve been wondering whether therapy could help you — this might be your reminder that you don’t have to do life alone.