Should your significant other be your therapist?

After all, friends, family and romantic partners comprise the majority of your support system. Studies show that having strong social relationships benefits physical and mental health. But your partner cannot replace a professional therapist, nor should they.

Can your therapist talk to your partner?

Knowing that you can say anything to your therapist and it will remain in the room helps you feel safe and builds trust between you and the therapist. For this reason, all therapists are legally and ethically bound to keep their sessions confidential and not share with anyone else what was talked about.

Is it bad to talk to your therapist about other patients?

A good back-and-forth banter is great, but remember: You’re not the sounding board. It’s not a good sign if your therapist is talking excessively about him or herself, or about another patient, says Endlich. A gabby conversation hog? Maybe not the best trait for a psychologist. 10. You’re getting nowhere.

Is it normal for a therapist to talk about herself?

Your appointment feels like a gossip sesh. A good back-and-forth banter is great, but remember: You’re not the sounding board. It’s not a good sign if your therapist is talking excessively about him or herself, or about another patient, says Endlich.

Is it bad to go to therapy when you’ve had drugs?

Heading to therapy when you’ve had a few is not only obvious to your therapist, it may be grounds for them to end your relationship. In fact, one therapist says that being under the influence of drugs or alcohol is the worst thing a patient can do during a session.

Can a therapist make a mistake in a diagnosis?

Your therapist is a professional, but they’re not omniscient. Much like any other clinician, therapists can make mistakes in their diagnoses. That said, if you’ve raised an objection to your therapist’s diagnosis and you feel like you’re not being heard, it’s time to move on. “You know you best.