What Your Therapist Wants You to Know behind the Therapist's Chair
- Mar 31, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 1, 2025
Alicia Cadiz is well-known when it comes to relationships and breakups. She is a Licensed Psychotherapist, CEO, and Founder of Healing With Alicia, a mental health counseling private practice. Alicia helps clients holistically connect the mind, body, and soul as one, most importantly, in a safe space where you can fully trust your therapist.
As a licensed psychotherapist (LMHC), I often get asked about my role and what I think about my clients when I’m not in session with them. People are curious about the process of becoming a therapist, the ongoing work involved in running a private practice, and what we actually think about our clients. The reality is that therapy is far from a one-sided relationship; it’s a dynamic exchange where therapists and clients learn from one another.
In this article, I want to offer insight into the often unseen side of therapy, the rigorous training and continual learning that therapists go through, the profound respect we hold for our clients, and how the therapeutic journey is, in many ways, a reciprocal one. As much as therapists teach and guide, we are also deeply impacted by the people we work with and, through that, continue to evolve ourselves.
The training: How therapists become experts of the mind
Becoming a licensed psychotherapist is no small mountain to climb. It involves years of formal education, training, and clinical experience. Here's an overview of what it takes to become an LMHC and maintain expertise in the field:
Formal education: Most therapists begin with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, followed by a master’s degree or doctoral degree in counseling, psychology, or marriage and family therapy. This stage provides the foundation for understanding human behavior, emotions, and mental health also early psychotherapy experience through internship.
Clinical training: After completing the academic coursework, therapists must undergo clinical training. This means working under the supervision of experienced therapists in real-world settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or private practices. During this time, therapists gain practical experience with clients while being mentored and guided by senior professionals.
Licensing and certification After completing the necessary academic and clinical training, therapists must pass a state licensing exam. This exam tests a therapist's knowledge of ethics, counseling techniques, mental health disorders, and legal considerations. Only 40% of people pass this exam.
Specializations and continuing education: Many therapists choose to specialize in specific therapeutic modalities or populations. Some of the most common specializations include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), trauma-informed care, family therapy, and addiction counseling. To keep up-to-date with these modalities and ensure that they are using the most current and effective techniques, therapists must complete continuing education courses regularly. These courses allow therapists to stay abreast of emerging research, new therapeutic methods, and ethical standards.
The ongoing learning process is integral to the work we do. The field of mental health is ever-evolving, and as therapists, we make a conscious effort to stay knowledgeable about the latest research, tools, and interventions that can help our clients heal and thrive.
The therapeutic relationship: A mutual exchange
One of the most common misconceptions about therapy is that it’s a one-way process where the therapist imparts knowledge and guidance while the client simply listens. However, therapy is much more complex. It’s a mutual relationship in which both therapist and client actively participate in the healing process.
We value our clients and think about them outside of sessions
You might be surprised to hear that therapists often think about their clients when they aren’t in session. Of course, we are bound by confidentiality and ethical guidelines that prevent us from sharing specific details, but we constantly reflect on the work we’re doing with clients and the progress they are making. It’s not just about preparing for the next session but also about wondering how you’re doing, what challenges you may be facing, and how we can better support you in the future.
This caring extends beyond mere professionalism. As therapists, we genuinely value our clients as individuals and are deeply invested in their emotional and psychological well-being. We celebrate your breakthroughs and grieve with you through setbacks. Our role is to guide, not dictate, and to walk beside you on your journey toward healing and growth. Many therapists find great personal satisfaction in seeing clients heal and evolve, as it gives meaning to the work we do.
Clients teach us just as much as we teach them
Therapy is a mutual learning experience. While therapists may be the guides, clients often teach us just as much as we impart to them. Each person’s experience is unique, and no two therapeutic relationships are exactly the same. We learn from your stories, your resilience, and the ways in which you approach your struggles.
In therapy, we see firsthand the strength it takes to face personal pain, the courage to ask for help, and the vulnerability required to open up. These experiences influence our practice and inform how we engage with others in future sessions. The work you do in therapy ripples outward, not only affecting your life but also shaping the way we approach our own practice and understanding of the human experience.
Sometimes, clients challenge us to confront our own assumptions, biases, or even limitations as therapists. Through this process, we grow, expand our perspectives, and refine our ability to serve others.
Therapists stay up-to-date with new modalities and research
Given the dynamic nature of human psychology, therapists must be proactive in staying current with emerging trends, new research, and updated therapeutic approaches. Therapists regularly attend workshops, seminars, and conferences to enhance their skills and stay informed on the latest advancements in the field.
For example, many therapists are increasingly integrating holistic approaches into their practice, such as mindfulness techniques, somatic therapy, and energy healing practices. These methods acknowledge that healing involves the whole person mind, body, and spirit and that mental health cannot be fully addressed without considering the physical and emotional aspects of well-being.
Additionally, therapists are increasingly exploring trauma-informed care, which recognizes the pervasive impact of trauma on mental health and focuses on creating safe, supportive environments for clients to heal. The field of neuroscience also plays an important role in modern therapy, as understanding the brain’s role in mental health allows therapists to incorporate scientifically validated approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-focused therapies into their practices.
Staying informed about cultural competence is another key area of growth for many therapists. As society becomes more diverse, understanding the role of culture, race, gender, and sexual orientation in mental health is essential for providing truly effective care.
How you can help us help you
The therapeutic process is most effective when there is collaboration between the therapist and the client. Here are a few things your therapist wants you to know that will help maximize the success of your work together:
Honesty is crucial: The more open and honest you are about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, the better equipped we are to guide you. While it might feel uncomfortable at times, vulnerability is a crucial part of the healing process.
Therapy is a process: Healing takes time. Therapy is not a quick fix but rather an ongoing process of self-exploration, growth, and change. Be patient with yourself and trust that the work you’re doing will pay off in the long run.
We are here to support you: You are not alone. Therapists are here to create a safe space where you can express yourself freely. We are not here to judge but to offer support and help you navigate your struggles with empathy and compassion.
You are the expert on you: While we have the knowledge and tools to guide you, you are the expert on your own life. Therapy is about helping you find the answers within yourself, and we are here to help you unlock those answers.
The mutual journey of healing
Therapists do more than just listen and offer advice; they are also students of the human experience. Through continuous learning, clinical experience, and a genuine care for our clients, we engage in a process of mutual growth. We value the opportunity to work with you and are constantly learning from you, just as you may learn from us.
As therapists, we are committed to creating an environment where you feel seen, heard, and supported. The healing journey is one we embark on together, and with each step, we continue to evolve both personally and professionally. Therapy is a relationship built on trust, respect, and mutual learning, and we are honored to walk that path with you.
Read more from Alicia Cadiz
Alicia Cadiz, CEO, Founder, LMHC, Licensed Psychotherapist
Alicia Cadiz is a leader, breaking barriers, in the world of mental health. Alicia always knew she wanted to dedicate her life to holistically helping others reach their highest potential. She studied the work of Carl Jung at a young age and bases her therapeutic approach on his teachings. She explores every category of a client, mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual, as she helps uncover your shadows and unconscious self, bringing light and awareness to the parts of ourselves we want to hide. Energy does not lie and neither does the power of the universe.
