For Therapists With Anxiety
I’ll be the first to admit it: yes, I’m a therapist, and yes, I live with anxiety.
I’ve had sessions where my thoughts start racing right in the middle of listening to a client, or nights where I carry someone’s story home with me long after the session is over. For a long time, I wondered if that meant I wasn’t “fit” enough to be in this field.
But here’s what I’ve learned: anxiety doesn’t cancel out my ability to be a good therapist. If anything, it sharpens it.
The truth is, many of us in this profession wrestle with our own mental health, whether it’s anxiety, depression, or something else that doesn’t always show on the surface. We’re not robots sitting in the chair across from our clients; we’re humans.
(Check out this Reddit thread of other therapists just like us)
And those lived experiences? They’re not weaknesses. They’re actually one of the most intuitive ways we can connect with and support our clients.
Being a therapist is an incredible privilege. We witness people’s most vulnerable moments, and we hold space for stories that aren’t always easy to hear. But let’s be honest: it’s also energy-intensive, especially if you already live with anxiety.
That’s why it’s so important to have tools and rituals, both during sessions and after, that help you stay grounded and keep your work sustainable.
During Sessions: Small Anchors That Make a Big Difference
Over the years, I’ve learned little ways to keep myself centered while still being fully present with my clients:
Fidget toys or stress balls: I often keep a small stone or stress ball in my hand. It’s subtle, but the tactile focus helps me release excess energy.
Gentle doodling: A grounding outlet when I’m listening intently but need to channel anxious energy.
Micro-movements: Shifting posture, pressing feet into the floor, or taking a slow, deliberate breath can reset my nervous system instantly.
Game plans with flexibility: A loose structure reassures my anxious mind while still leaving room for the client’s lead.
These practices don’t distract from the work, they actually allow me to stay engaged in a healthier, more sustainable way.
Once the session ends, the work doesn’t stop. In fact, sometimes that’s when the hardest part begins: processing the weight of what you’ve just heard and figuring out how to set it down.
That’s why it’s so important to intentionally reset. For me, this might mean stepping outside between sessions, stretching my arms overhead, or making hot chocolate (even in the summer time) as a ritual after each client. These small signals tell my nervous system, the session is complete. Boundaries like these aren’t luxuries, they’re protection against burnout.
Caring for ourselves as therapists with anxiety requires more than quick fixes. It means weaving in consistent practices that keep us resourced.
I’m at my best when I have a creative project to pour into. For you, it might be baking bread, gardening, or playing music. Whatever your outlet, it’s not indulgent - it’s fuel. These practices remind us that we’re whole humans, not just therapists.
One way I love to create is by converting old doll houses into haunted houses. It’s one of my favorite outlets!
And that wholeness carries back into the therapy room. When we begin our days with more energy and grounding, we can meet our clients with compassion, empathy, and presence, without depleting ourselves in the process.
If you’ve ever wondered, Am I really fit to help others when I’m struggling myself?
I want you to hear me clearly: yes. Absolutely yes.
Anxiety doesn’t make you less capable. It makes you more attuned, more compassionate, and more human.
Your lived experience is not a liability. It’s a superpower.
And if you’re a therapist navigating your own anxiety or hidden struggles, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Whether you’re looking for a fellow therapist to walk alongside you in your own journey, or you’d benefit from a supportive supervision space where your lived experience is honored, I’d love to connect. Together, we can create a path forward that feels sustainable…for you, your clients, and the work you love. Schedule A Free Consultation HERE