CC24 Keynote 03 - Therapists as Clients in Couple Therapy - William Doherty, PhD

Therapists experience the same relationship issues we see in our offices. Although our clinical training may give us more access to our inner emotional lives than many people, we face “occupational hazards,” such as a tendency to read our partner’s mind and then explain it to them. With humility and humor, let’s explore the relational self of the therapist and how we sometimes show up in couple therapy. In this workshop, we’ll learn how to how to help fellow therapists when they come as clients to leverage their personal and professional strengths to have healthier relationships—and avoid blind spots that come with the territory.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify common challenges therapists face in their own relationships
2. Discuss how therapists’ relational blind spots can show up with their clients facing relationship problems
3. Practice skills for helping therapists who come to therapy for relationship problems.

Outline:

• Therapists as Clients

  • Therapists often seek therapy, especially for relationship issues.

  • Research shows therapist-clients heighten concerns about effectiveness and techniques.

• Divorce Rates Among Therapists

  • Therapists face 38–48% higher divorce rates.

  • Possible reasons: higher emotional expectations and relational standards.

• Challenges in Therapist Couples

  • Common issues: mind reading, over-analysis, boundary-crossing with therapy skills.

  • Tend to diagnose or explain each other, creating competitive dynamics.

• Keys to Supporting Therapist Couples

  • Avoid letting therapist-clients steer the process.

  • Treat them like any other client: with support, boundaries, and directness.

  • Use supervision when needed; focus on relational intelligence over therapy knowledge.

• Audience Reflections

  • Shared insights: therapists spot red flags quickly, expect more emotional depth.

  • Doherty encourages therapists to be “regular people” in relationships and avoid therapy jargon.

• Q&A and Closing

  • Topics included therapist-client behavior, dual relationships, and choosing the right therapist.

  • Doherty shared personal stories and advice.

  • Emphasized benefits and risks of being a therapist in relationships, and the importance of humility and balance.