⚖️Can Business Be Therapeutic? Here's Why

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When people hear the word "business," it often conjures images of cold, profit-driven motives—quite the contrast to the warm, empathetic nature of a therapist.

But business practices are essential in shaping the therapeutic relationship. They set clear boundaries, such as:

• meeting for a specific period of time

• timely payment for services

• defining limits on how and when clients can reach out.

Early in my career, I struggled with ending sessions right on time, especially when clients had more to share. It felt abrupt, even rude. Over time, though, I’ve come to understand that these boundaries are not just professional—they’re therapeutic.

In a conversation with my supervisor, we discussed how therapists provide unconditional positive regard, but clients still live in a world filled with conditions. Part of our job is to help them navigate that reality. The boundaries that business places on a therapist’s care are a crucial part of that process.

What do you think? Are there other ways you’ve found that business can be therapeutic?

Until next week,
Suvrita