Why Most People Lie to Their Therapist

If you've ever been dishonest with your therapist, you're not alone. Here's why most people lie in therapy.

By Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Top of Mind Why Most People Lie to Their Therapist (And Why You Should Tell the Truth)   On the surface, you might think it's easy to tell a therapist the truth. After all, they're an objective professional whom you are hiring to give you feedback on your life.   But it's tougher than you might think.    Would you tell your therapist you aren't finding their work with you to be helpful? If you wanted to cancel an appointment just because you didn't feel like going, would you be honest? Would you tell your therapist if you were having an affair?    As a therapist, I've had plenty of people "come clean" weeks or even months after lying about something.    As a person who has seen a therapist, I understand the temptation to lie sometimes. Whether I just don't want to talk about a specific subject or I don't want to look bad in the eyes of my therapist, so there are times when I'd prefer to stretch the truth.   Understanding why people lie to their therapist can help you feel a little less alone if you've been dishonest. It may also encourage you to come clean and tell the truth.    Here's why most people lie to their therapist.  Have a Question for Me?   Every other week, I answer reader questions about psychology, therapy, social situations, and mental health issues. If you have a question you'd like me to consider answering next week, submit it here. Read These Next How to Talk to a Therapist When You Have Social Anxiety READ NOW What Not to Say to Your Therapist READ NOW 15 Things Your Therapist Wants You to Know READ NOW Spread the Light Share the newsletter with someone you know to make their day a little brighter. SHARE We're open to suggestions! If you have any feedback about this newsletter, let us know at feedback@verywell.com.     You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Healthy Mind newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here!   A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005   © 2021 Verywellmind.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy