The Other Side of the Couch
Before I ever became a therapist, I was also a client.
I remember what it was like to walk into a session for the first time. My stomach was tight and my mind was racing with questions: What if I say the wrong thing? What if I get judged? What if they do not understand me? Sitting in that vulnerable space is never easy, no matter how strong or successful you are in the rest of your life.
And that is exactly why I believe every therapist needs to experience the other side of the couch.
The Nerves Are Real
It takes courage to sit across from a therapist and open up about your life. Whether you are carrying anxiety, depression, perfectionism, or trauma, the act of saying things out loud, maybe for the very first time, can feel overwhelming.
I know because I have been there. I have felt the weight of wondering if I would be understood. I have sat in the quiet moments where my own story felt too heavy to share. Those experiences remind me, every single day, how brave my clients are when they choose to begin therapy.
Why Therapists Should Be Clients Too
Long before I ever became a therapist, I was a client. After 9/11, when I was working as a flight attendant based in New York City, I struggled to cope with the weight of what had happened. It was my own therapist who first helped me put words to what I was experiencing: PTSD.
Oddly enough, that diagnosis felt empowering. It gave me a framework, a way to understand myself, and most importantly, a path forward. That experience planted the seed that would eventually change the course of my life. I wanted to help people the way my therapist helped me.
That is why I believe so strongly that therapists should also know what it feels like to sit in the client’s chair. Therapy is not just about techniques or tools. It is about being vulnerable, being seen, and finding hope when life feels overwhelming.
Sacred Work, Not Numbers
For me, therapy has never been just a job. It is sacred work. And part of honoring that is remembering that every client is a whole person, not a diagnosis, not a number, not a slot on a calendar, not just symptoms.
Continuing to be a client myself helps me stay grounded in that truth. It keeps my empathy fresh and my compassion real. I know firsthand that healing takes time, trust, and the right connection. I know what it is like to sit in the waiting room with your heart pounding. And I know what it feels like when you finally experience relief after holding pain for too long.
What This Means for You
So why am I sharing this? Because I want you to know that when you walk into my office, whether you are seeking help for PTSD, anxiety, depression, trauma, or perfectionism, I will meet you with more than training and techniques. I will meet you with understanding.
I know what it feels like to be on the other side of the couch. I know the bravery it takes to show up, even when it feels scary. And I know how important it is to be treated with respect, kindness, and compassion as you share your story.
That is why I chose this path, and it is why I continue to value my own work as a client. Because this is not about checking boxes or doing the minimum. It is about honoring therapy as a sacred space for healing.
Final Thoughts
Being on the other side of the couch has shaped me just as much as sitting in this chair as a therapist. It is what keeps me committed to offering a safe, grounded, and compassionate space for the people I work with in Shalimar, Fort Walton Beach, and across Florida.
If you have been considering therapy, I want you to know that you are not alone. I understand what it feels like to sit on the other side of the couch, and I value the courage it takes to show up. Whether you are struggling with PTSD, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, or trauma from the past, therapy can give you a place to heal, find clarity, and move forward.
I specialize in trauma therapy, including Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), which can help resolve painful experiences and calm the nervous system. If you are ready to take the first step, I would be honored to walk with you. You can learn more about trauma therapy here or schedule a consultation.
About The Author
I am Stephanie Butler, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Master ART Practitioner in Shalimar, Florida. I help adults who feel stuck in cycles of trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and perfectionism finally find relief and freedom.
My approach combines compassion, evidence-based trauma therapies, and respect for the courage it takes to begin this work. I believe therapy is a sacred space, and I know from personal experience how vulnerable it feels to sit on the other side of the couch. If you are looking for a therapist who truly understands the impact of trauma and offers practical, effective tools for healing, you can read more about trauma therapy here.
