Relationships

Why don't therapists give advice?

Why don't therapists give advice?

"Just tell me what to do."

It's one of the most common things I find my clients saying without - you know - actually saying. Sometimes it's a look in their eye, as they long for me to be the one to save them from the uncomfortable silence. Sometimes it's a subtle sense of frustration in their voice, as they recalibrate their expectations around what they thought therapy would be. And, of course, there are the clients that just lay everything out in front of me and ask: "So now what?"

How much you like them...

How much you like them...

How they treat you is more important than how much you like them.

There's a big difference between liking someone - even loving someone - and being in the relationship you want. But to a great extent (hello rom coms and online dating apps!) we've been trained to focus on the partner, rather than the relationship. Do I like them? Do I find them attractive? Are they smart/confident/successful/interesting/funny enough to swipe right?⁠