Therapy is often thought of as a solemn, emotionally charged experience — but many patients actually find it much more enjoyable than what movies and TV shows typically let on.
Tumblr users have described their experiences in therapy in a dedicated thread, comparing common misconceptions about psychologists with their real-life encounters.
The sharing started when user Ierohero pointed out that ‘depressed kids in the media’ are typically depicted as extremely reluctant to open up to their therapist, when their own experience couldn’t be further from that.
Reality check: Tumblr users have described their experiences in therapy, comparing common misconceptions about psychologists with their real-life encounters (stock image)
‘Depressed kids in the media: I don’t wanna go to therapy! I don’t need help! I’m not some specimen for you to dissect!’ the Tumblr user wrote.
‘Me, rollin up to my therapist’s office and collapsing in relief: what is UP my homeboy I f****n missed you, hope you’re ready to hear some bull***t that f****n happened to me this week.’
Someone else followed up with a comparison of how therapists are usually portrayed, versus how their real-life therapist acts.
‘Therapists in the media: *understanding head tilt*. My real live therapist whom I adore: Natalie, that is the DUMBEST thing I’ve ever heard,’ user Kremeroyale wrote.
Other Tumblr users followed up with more comparisons using the same format, comparing ‘therapists in media’ to their actual counselors.
Untrue: The sharing started when user Ierohero pointed out that ‘depressed kids in the media’ are typically depicted as extremely reluctant to open up to their therapist
Anecdote: Someone else followed up with a comparison of how therapists are usually portrayed, versus how their real-life therapist acts
‘Therapists in Media: Lets do some art therapy and be really quiet while we talk about your feelings :)))))) also I’m prescribing you 500 different medicines,’ user Jackhasdreams wrote.
‘My therapist Brian who I love to death: Jack, I think your first problem is you stay up too late looking at memes, so let’s try taking a nap.’
One person going by the username Skirriss described therapists in media as ‘refined, cultured, poised’ and likely not to understand their patients’ nerdy cultural references.
In Skiriss’ experience, however, therapists know plenty about pop culture.
‘My old therapist Derek, from across the reception area, seeing me for the first time after the summer of 2015: HEY DID YOU SEE AGE OF ULTRON?? IT SUCKED, RIGHT???’ the Tumblr user wrote.
‘My current therapist Ian, in our very first appointment: do you like Star Wars? anxiety is like the force, it can consume you, or you can learn to keep it in balance… You’re my padawan now.’
Informal: Tumblr users eventually started sharing their therapists’ funniest remarks, illustrating just how casual their appointments can be
Gadget: One user recounted how their therapist once proudly showed them their new glow-in-the-dark fidget spinner
Tumblr users eventually started sharing their therapists’ funniest remarks, illustrating just how casual their appointments can be.
‘My real life therapist: Okay, before we start, I found this hilarious video I know you’d love,’ Exjwthings wrote.
Another user, Andromedex, said their therapist had delivered comments such as: ‘You’re basically a glorified sad lizard’, ‘Damn girl you need to get your s**t together’, and ‘Go home and cry. Stop drinking in bathtubs. Eat something that isn’t bleach or memes.’
Someone else, user Nicopetty, recounted how their therapist once told them ‘Oh S**T wait look at this, I got it off Amazon!’ before reaching into their purse and pulling out a glow-in-the-dark fidget spinner.
One particular therapist used to end sessions with user Yeetsceet with a very straightforward motto, telling them: ‘Life’s a b***h but you’re not.’