How would you react if you found out the person you're dating is seeing a therapist?

[Hopeful30]

Therapy with a psychologist or psychiatrist. Would you be turned off? Would you see the person in a different light?

 

Honest answers please. (and this person won't tell you why because it's personal)

[Treasa]

I'd be fine with it. I used to see a psychologist, still occasionally see a psychiatrist, and it's been a total blessing. People who seek help and want to get better are strong people, IMO. There are a lot of scary people out there who AREN'T seeing anyone, and they're the real turn offs for me.

 

If someone is fine and doesn't need one, that's cool too.

[shexy]

This is 2013...behavioral health really does NOT need to have such a negative stigma.

 

I would MUCH rather someone seek treatment for their behavioral health rather than just leave it untreated and be miserable. And make everyone around them miserable. And possibly hurt themselves or someone else.

[Star Gazer]

I think I'd actually be more attracted to them, as seeking help is a sign of emotional strength and not weakness.

[johan]

The fact that she's seeing a therapist all by itself wouldn't be enough to conclude anything about her or make any decisions about the relationship. There's a much bigger context that means a lot more.

[BluEyeL]

I see a therapist, and I have no emotional problems or diagnosis of any kind. Just like to throw my money around and pay someone to talk to, my friends fall asleep.

[DannyMason]

I'd probably think more highly of them if anything for the same reasons others have already mentioned.

[amaysngrace]

As long as it wasn't ordered by a court I'd be pretty neutral about it.

 

It means they won't be dumping their problems on me.

[starrynightz45]

I mean, so many people go to therapists nowadays for things that wouldn't really have an impact on your life as someone who chooses to date that person. I saw a therapist for a while because my parents were both very ill and I was dealing with school at the same time, so I was having trouble balancing everything and needed advice. I had a boyfriend at the time and it didn't bother him.

 

It's possible that it could be something huge, but most likely she/he is just having some minor life problems - self esteem issues, depression, family, relationships, etc. Everyone has problems, that person is just willing to get help for the problem. I'd be cautious but wouldn't totally rule the person out.

[bobmarley]

I really hope it's not a deal breaker for anyone in this day and age. I see one, and I have for a while...I think my bf just found out about it this week though for whatever reason. I've never hid it, but we've also never talked about it. But he knows I have pretty severe PTSD, I'm a recovering bulimic, and that I was raped more than once, so I think it's safe that he assumed I was seeing someone.

[lamaga]

I am seeing a therapist myself. I'd be happy to be with someone who does the same. It's highly beneficial if you find the right one and it can only have positive influence on the relationship.

Just my two cents

 

But yeah, it wouldn't be a turn off for me at all. Definitely a good thing.

 

Everybody has a therapist. It's normal.

[sillyanswer]

Therapy with a psychologist or psychiatrist. Would you be turned off? Would you see the person in a different light?

 

Honest answers please. (and this person won't tell you why because it's personal)

 

The person has recognised a problem and is doing something about it. That's better than many situations! I don't think you've given enough information for me to say what I'd do, though.

[AMusing]

Wouldn't care if he were seeing a therapist/psychiatrist. I've found that out about a few different men I dated, and it didn't affect my relationship with any of them.

 

Depending on how long we'd been dating, I might be a bit hurt that:

1) He didn't feel like he could tell me sooner.

2) He won't say why he's going. Not that I'd push for any details, but a general idea (dealing with a trauma, dealing with everyday stress, treatment for a mental disorder, etc) would be nice. The reason probably wouldn't affect anything, but if I'd been with the guy for a long time it might sting that he doesn't trust me enough to open up a little bit. It also could help our relationship if I knew what was going on with him.

 

This would only be true in a long-term, serious relationship, of course.

[StanMusial]

I would be wary of this person.

[Kamille]

This is 2013. People do therapy for the same reason they get massages : because it feels good (well, most of the time). And, plus, well, we have disposable income and/or jobs that offer to cover the cost of therapy.

[Queenie42]

It depends why they're going, I think. If they're going in order to work through some things, try seeing their situations more clearly, or something of that kind, that's great and more power to them.

 

However, if they're going to try and silence the angry, violent ghost voices in their head which are becoming ever harder to refuse... well, on the one hand it's good that they're seeking help for that, but on the other hand they may not be ready for a relationship yet anyway.

 

The point is, that second case is pretty rare and pretty extreme (that's the joke). Don't leap to the conclusion that anyone seeking therapy falls into that category.