Should Therapists Cry Over Their Clients? Exploring Emotional Engagement in Therapy

Do Therapists Sometimes Cry Over Their Clients? The Emotional Side of Therapy

The Emotional Toll of Being a Therapist

Well, let’s start with a simple truth: being a therapist isn’t just about sitting there, taking notes, and offering advice. It’s about being deeply invested in your clients' lives, their struggles, and their growth. And sometimes, that emotional involvement can be so intense that yes, therapists do cry. I know, I know—you’re probably thinking, “But they’re supposed to be the ones with all the answers!” Well, it’s not that simple.

Actually, I had a conversation with a colleague recently, and we were discussing how often we get moved by what our clients share with us. One of the most powerful moments for me was when a client revealed something deeply personal and heartbreaking. Honestly, it’s hard not to feel emotionally moved in those moments. The truth is, therapists are human too.

Do Therapists Cry During Sessions?

The Human Element of Therapy

Let’s get real for a second: therapists are people with feelings. We’re trained to hold space for our clients and manage our emotions, but that doesn’t mean we don’t feel empathy, sadness, or even joy with them. Sometimes, we experience what’s called “compassion fatigue,” and when a client’s story resonates deeply with us, it can feel overwhelming.

I once had a session with a client who had been through an abusive relationship. Her story was so raw and emotional that, despite my best efforts to remain professional, I felt tears welling up. I had to take a deep breath, remind myself of my role, and hold back. But afterward, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of what she shared with me. Does it happen? Yes, it does. And it’s not always easy to control.

Is Crying Unprofessional for a Therapist?

This is a tricky one. In therapy, we strive for a balance between empathy and professionalism. Crying in front of a client isn’t typically part of the therapist’s role. But it’s also important to acknowledge that showing empathy and being emotionally present doesn’t make us unprofessional—it makes us human.

That said, therapists have to manage these feelings carefully. If a therapist cries during a session, it’s usually a sign of deep emotional connection, but it also needs to be handled appropriately. I’ve had moments where I felt like crying but had to quickly regroup to ensure that the focus remained on my client’s needs. It's about finding the balance between being real and maintaining the structure of the session.

Why Do Therapists Cry?

Deep Empathy and Emotional Investment

One of the main reasons therapists cry is because of how deeply we empathize with our clients. When you hear someone’s pain, their struggles, their fears, and you truly connect with them, it’s hard not to be affected. I once worked with a client who had lost a child, and hearing their grief unfold felt like an emotional punch to the gut. The tears weren't for me—they were for their pain. It’s that level of empathy that makes therapy so powerful but also emotionally taxing.

Compassion Fatigue

Let’s not forget compassion fatigue. When you’re in a field that demands you listen to traumatic stories day in and day out, it’s easy to start feeling emotionally drained. If a therapist doesn’t properly care for themselves, they can experience emotional burnout. Compassion fatigue isn’t something you can just ignore. It can lead to overwhelming feelings of sadness and sometimes even tears, especially when a particularly difficult or moving session lingers with you long after it’s over.

How Do Therapists Cope with Their Emotions?

Self-care Is Key

Honestly, one of the most important things a therapist can do is practice self-care. We have to be aware of our emotional state and make sure we’re doing what’s necessary to recharge. For me, that means taking time to process what I’ve heard in therapy and not letting it affect my personal life. Sometimes, after a particularly intense session, I’ll take a walk or talk to a fellow therapist. It helps me clear my head and maintain my emotional balance.

Supervision and Support

Another way therapists cope is through supervision. We meet regularly with a supervisor or colleague to discuss cases, reflect on our own emotional responses, and get support. It’s crucial to have a space where you can talk openly about your feelings without crossing boundaries. This helps us process emotions like sadness or frustration before it impacts our work or well-being.

Can Crying Be Beneficial in Therapy?

Tears as a Sign of Healing

Believe it or not, sometimes crying in therapy can actually be a good thing. It’s often seen as a sign of progress or breakthrough. When clients cry, it means they are processing deep emotions, which is part of the healing process. But if a therapist tears up, it might indicate that the therapist is so deeply moved that they are sharing in the emotional experience of the client.

I had a client once who cried uncontrollably during a session. She had never allowed herself to express those emotions before, and it was incredibly powerful to witness. I didn’t cry, but I certainly felt a deep emotional connection to her pain. Later, she thanked me for being there for her, and I realized that sometimes our shared tears are a reflection of the healing taking place.

Creating a Safe Emotional Space

As a therapist, I believe part of the healing process involves creating a safe emotional space where vulnerability is welcomed. Sometimes, clients see that you’re human too, and that helps them feel less alone. It’s a delicate balance, though. Crying from the therapist's side can shift the dynamic if it’s not handled correctly.

Conclusion: Therapists Are Human Too

So, do therapists cry over their clients? Yes, sometimes we do. It’s a part of being human and deeply empathetic. However, we are trained to manage our emotions and ensure that the focus remains on the client’s healing journey. Crying in therapy is not necessarily unprofessional—it’s a sign of emotional engagement and connection. But, as a therapist, I’ve learned that while we can empathize deeply, we must also be mindful of how we navigate these emotions to maintain a supportive environment for the client. After all, the goal is always to help them, even when the emotions are overwhelming.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.