Talking with Friends vs. Talking with a Therapist

There is nothing better than the support and validation of friends.  Friends play a major role in our mental health!  We tell our friends about the things that stress us out, or things we think are hilarious.  We share advice and memes, and we laugh and cry together.  The importance of friendships cannot be emphasized enough! The difference, however, between friends and a therapist is that a friend offers personal connection, while a therapist provides an objective, structured, and goal-oriented approach to personal growth.

When we rely only on our friends for help with trauma, it puts an unfair strain on the relationship.  A healthy approach involves using both friends and a therapist for the support they are uniquely suited to provide. 

• Friends are for mutual connection and companionship. They are great for celebrating your wins, sharing laughs, and offering comfort in manageable situations.

• A therapist provides deep emotional work.  They help you with past or current traumas, and offer objective feedback and structured goals for personal growth. 

By using therapy to address complex issues, you can free up your friendships to be what they are meant to be: a source of joy and mutual support!

Donna M Shryock, Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Healing Wounds Healthcare