My Therapist Talks About Themselves – A Lot!
Therapy is your time. It’s where you get to unpack your thoughts, work through feelings, and figure out your next steps with someone there to guide you. So, what does it mean when your therapist keeps steering the conversation toward their own life?
First, let’s acknowledge that some sharing is okay. Therapists might occasionally tell you a story about their own experiences to help you feel understood or give an example of how they’ve dealt with something similar.
When it’s done periodically and with a clear purpose that connects back to you, it can be helpful to drive a point home or illustrate a concept.
That being said, if your sessions start feeling like they’re more about your therapist than you, that’s a red flag!
You’re paying a professional to help you manage your challenges, not to listen to their personal struggles or hear about their weekend plans.
“If your therapist’s stories make you feel unheard or like the focus has shifted away from you, it’s time to take a closer look.”
Why does this happen? Well, therapists are human too. Maybe they’re burned out, going through something personal, or simply don’t realize how much they’re oversharing.
Some newer therapists might also get a little too casual while trying to build rapport. Whatever the reason, it’s not your responsibility to manage their boundaries.
What can you do? Start by noticing how it makes you feel. Does it bother you enough to address it, or is it something you can let slide because it’s rare and not disruptive?
If it’s the former, it’s okay to say something. You might try something gentle, like, “I’d really like to spend more time on what I’m going through,” or, “Could we focus more on what I’m working on right now?”
“It’s your time and your healing process—advocating for yourself is completely fair.”
If the sharing continues or your therapist doesn’t seem to take the hint, it might be time to reevaluate whether this is the right fit for you. Therapy only works when the relationship feels safe and supportive, and you deserve someone who puts your needs first.
At the end of the day, if something feels off, trust yourself to address it directly or move on. Your healing is too important to compromise.
