Topic: counseling-fundamentals

Question: Is it normal to cry at therapy?
Is it normal for people to cry during therapy, or is it just me?

Answer (from JOSH MARLAR):
It is absolutely normal to cry during a therapy session and people do it all the time for a wide variety of reasons.  Often in therapy, you're talking about the heaviest things in your life and the emotions that surface can be beyond your control, so don't try to force it; let it out.  If it is something that you are self-conscious about, bring it up in your next session.  Your therapist should be able to put you at ease.  Therapy is not always easy and sometimes it can be downright gut-wrenching. It's not just you.

Answer (from Michelle HuczekLPC-IT, MS):
The very act of therapy is about purging that which you've been holding on to. Sometimes while we talk about and let things go, crying happens, which is a natural emotional response to processing something complex. Sometimes we get really angry and mad, sometimes, there is no emotional response. All is well, keep going!

Answer (from Kellie Spear, LCMHC, LMFTCompassionate online support & encouragement ):
Therapy brings people in for many different reasons. Most of the time it is because something in your life is not right and having someone to talk to that is not a friend or family member can be very helpful. We have many emotions, some are easy to share in front of others, some are not as easy. When you step into the therapy room, you go in with expectations of some sort. Even if you did not expect to cry, it is quite normal to do so. Talking about your emotions in the counseling room can be helpful as part of your therapy. Share with your counselor what it feels like for you to cry in therapy, as you explore together you will learn more about the connection between thoughts and feelings.

Answer (from Shawn Thomas Berthel, M.S., LCMHCStep into your new life path.):
Hello,Crying in therapy is extremely normal, especially if it is your first time attending a counseling session. Very often Clients will come to therapy either for the first time, or perhaps after many years of having attended therapy previously, and often find the weight on their shoulders being lifted when they finally have a chance to let go and allow themselves to experience the emotions that they have been holding back. As mentioned, it is perfectly normal to cry during the therapy session. However, one must realize that having a safe space to cry is not the end goal, but rather being able to work through the issues that are causing the distress. Please do not feel that your counselor will not understand why you are crying. We are well trained therapists who recognize the power of therapy and how vulnerable people can often be when you’re talking to somebody who is nearly a total stranger. It takes a certain amount of bravery to be able to go to a therapist and discuss the issues that you might feel cannot be shared with anyone else.Therapy can be a very healing time, but it requires courage, determination, and being willing to be vulnerable enough to address the issues that are impairing a functioning in your life. Be willing to work with your counselor to address the emotional side of the problems and challenges you are facing in your life. You do not have to feel like you need to cry in every session, but there will be times when crying will be a natural occurrence in the course of counseling sessions. If the therapist has done things correctly, you are to feel fully supported and safe in the environment of working for your issues.If I can be of further assistance, and you are in the Tacoma, Washington area, please feel free to reach out to me. I would be honored to work with you.

Answer (from Kaileen McMickle, MS, LPCLicensed Professional Counselor):
It is never out of the ordinary to get emotional during a session.  Sometimes we will ask clients to talk about some pretty intense topics, and that can easily trigger the emotions wired with those topics.Even knowing that, it can be really tough to experience that level of vulnerability. If you are seeing a therapist currently, it could help to process how it feels to you to show raw emotion if that's something that concerns you.Either way, it is awesome that your body was able to let some stress out for you!

Answer (from Nykke GrunsteinMeeting the Needs of People In Need):
It is normal to cry anytime you want to. Sometimes the tears don't make sense to us and that's okay. It is important to recognize those tears as telling you something about how you are feeling that you may be missing.

Answer (from Melissa ValentinaDr. Melissa Valentina, Hypnotherapist):
Crying in therapy is a natural response, a relief to what you are going through. It is an expression of emotions, which is why you are going to therapy - to express yourself in a safe, nonjudgmental space. Rather than trying to stop crying, sit on the couch with it until it is done and you have finished with the clearing. The energy is not blocked, is moving - a good thing. It's good to cry.

Answer (from Shauntai Davis-YearginPersonalized, private online counseling for individuals and couples):
Although not everyone cries in therapy. In my opinion crying is a emotion that some express in therapy. Crying is something that some express when it’s hard to discuss situations that may have never been discussed, When discussing traumatic experiences, and at times crying has even happened to some of my past clients when they have had a breakthrough in their therapy process.

Answer (from Heidi SchnakenbergSpecializing in family relationships specifically adolescents with conduct issues ):
It is absolutely normal to cry in therapy. Therapy is a place to be honest about and explore your feelings without feeling judged. Honesty is the only way you will benefit from therapy and that means being willing to look at your true emotions rather than avoiding them.

Answer (from Reanna WaughWaugh's Holistic Wellness Center):
Absolutely! Therapy is the best time to have the opportunity
to open up and deal with the range of emotions that may be bothering you.
Therapy is a “safe space” to take time out of your normal daily life and
cope with the emotions that are hiding underneath. If, for some reason, you are
not comfortable in therapy, you should address this concern with your therapist
or find someone whom you feel more comfortable opening up with and express
yourself comfortably.

Answer (from Dr. Melissa ValentinaHonor Yourself and Live Your Truth):
Crying is clearing. It is a release of energy and toxins. Crying is a good thing and a great way to let go and move forward!

Answer (from Kerri ScullyLicensed Professional Counselor):
Therapy is such a personal process and often brings many emotions to the forefront, so yes, it very normal to cry in therapy.  Often you are talking about your deepest challenges and fears, so it is quite typical to expect some tears when making yourself so vulnerable.

Answer (from Carla SiriTransforming lives through harnessing the body's wisdom):
It's absolutely normal.  Therapy provides a space where you can be free to express yourself and experience all of your emotions fully.  Crying is a form of release, and many people feel like they do not have any other space where they can let out their emotions.  Crying can be a healthy way to be present with your emotions.  While not everyone will cry during a therapy session, you're not the first, and definitely not the last.

Answer (from Dr. Timothy Paul'man'; Online - "Natural Health Consultant and Coach"):
Dang right it's normal, and even necessary at times.Weeping provides chemical shifts which also shift the experience you're having.  Not only are their physical detoxification benefits to crying, but there are also emotional releases that come with it.Weeping can be the first step to an unclogging of a blockage, so that your energy can flow more smoothly.