Therapist Empathy, Systems Theory, and Imposter Syndrome

[@LulitaInPita]

Moral of the story: everyone are faking it, they're just better at not showing it than you. It's like that horrifying moment when you're looking for an adult but then you realize that you're an adult, so you start looking for an adultier adult, someone who's better at adulting than you, but then you listen to podcasts like this one and realize that we're all just kind of winging it and hoping for the best, and that your adultier adult is just as clueless as you are... and then you panic because you've been told your entire life that adults know everything best and that your whole childhood was just another big old lie...

[@nesa1126]

Awesome episode Kirk!

[@PsychologyInSeattle]

Thanks, Nesa!

[@AutumnCzun]

That's interesting. I wrote a story about a couple, who makes all kinds of mistakes. One of them happens to be a therapist. This is why I kept wondering whether my story was completely unrealistic, whether a real therapist would know how to navigate their own relationship. Well, apparently not. This is good to know. :)

[@ashleyheath4648]

What is a book you would recommend on Systems Theory? I am an MSW student and want to learn more about family systems. Thank you!

[@petiterider3505]

I'm a psychotherapist in Texas. I was looking for information on therapist burnout and I found your channel. I'm loving your videos. Great job!

[@thomascrown3600]

It took me a.long time to highlight the kids on my case load. I was.adraid it could be misconstrued. But how do you mot hug a child who wonders why their parents dont love him/her?

[@candicecfcl2971]

What's the name of the book that was mentioned in the video? Someone save me from having to listen from the start again please...

[@PsychologyInSeattle]

Multirole Clinical Supervision

[@jackiesmalley3339]

Between Therapist and Client

[@emeraldpilgrimfireuma]

Dr.Kirk previously worked market research? Now as a therapist and professor, any words on what Madison Ave. is doing to Christmas? About where I'm coming from. I call Christmas, X-Mess. I am a practicing "Christ"-ian. From your three careers, any conclusion about Madison Ave. and X-Mess?

[@PsychologyInSeattle]

Absolutely. We live in the most materialistic culture that has ever existed and Christmas is the pinnacle. Happiness = stuff and more stuff. Some of the largest celebrities are only known for what they purchase. And we are indoctrinating our children into that culture.

[@gabrielamedinavalle3228]

As a therapist I am so grateful for this. I agree with everything you're saying and have definitely felt like an impostor. I think there is a lack of discussion about this subject, with some colleagues coming across (or trying to) as stoic and unaffected by private life's events, and that sets an unrealistic vision of what a therapist is, specially if you are their student. I'm not saying that you have to tell your life story to your clients or colleagues, but stop trying sell this image of perfection and invulnerability that just keep the myths about therapists alive.

[@PsychologyInSeattle]

Thanks for sharing, Gabriela. Totally agree!

[@silentviolet7149]

Regarding the writer’s sister (who was a therapist) being disturbed by the writer’s therapist recommendations of setting better boundaries with her, that situation is a perfect example of how therapists aren’t objective enough to see their own family situation clearly. The writer’s sister might be an amazing therapist, but when it comes to her own family and family dynamics, she’s blind. She’s not objective enough to see. That’s why it’s unethical to treat family members because it doesn’t matter how good you are as a therapist, you’re just too close to see your own shit. The writer’s sister could even work with a family with a very similar situation and have a similar recommendation as the writer’s therapist, but in her own situation she’s too close to see it.

[@emeraldpilgrimfireuma]

I saw an article where a marriage therapist got divorced. She said she felt like a fraud because she couldn't even make her own marriage work. Her clients said to her how helpful she was to their marriages and her divorce did not reflect on her marriage therapy practice.

[@bobhunley1398]

My female therapist seduced me. Best sessions I ever had.