Therapy: The Loneliest Profession

Therapy represents a great interpersonal irony. Therapists deal intimately with others, but no matter how rewarding, their work can be socially isolating. Members of Psychology Today's Therapy Directory opened a window onto their isolation.

Unequal Benefits

"I see people all day but they are not relationships of equality and give-and-take."

Not a Drop to Drink

"It's like starving in a sea of other lonely people that you can't reach out to."

Dating Woes

"Local bars and hangouts are filled with clients or potential ones and the Internet isn't really a good choice either because of the self disclosure and the need for a picture. What a lonely mess."

A Big Drain

"Many days can be emotionally exhausting, leaving little energy available for the kind of connection that mutually shared intimacy requires."

Big Talk, Small Talk

"It is the oddest thing to spend the entire day in a closed room listening to the deepest thoughts of others, and know the community outside my door is engaged in regular small talk which passes me by entirely."

Ways to Heal the Healers

Various people find solace in personal therapy, lunch dates, sharing an office suite, support groups, dinner parties, and volunteering in the community. "It takes an ongoing effort but I have a wonderful, full life."