Can Your Therapist Be Your Friend?

Rose flower

No, is the general answer. Psychotherapists have stricter ethical guidelines than other professions. Though it may be puzzling, the reasons are for the client’s benefit. I link to an article on the reasoning below.

Though I cannot be friends with my current and past clients, I aim to be friendly to them. So if I see you in public outside of the office and appear distant, please do not take it personally. This is because I want to be of help to you in present and into the future.

I like the following article which includes the reasoning behind this ethical guideline.