Examining Our Tears: Therapists' Accounts of Crying in Therapy.

OBJECTIVES

The majority of psychologists experience therapist crying in therapy (TCIT). This study aimed to determine typical clinical contexts for, and psychologists' experiences of, TCIT.

METHOD

Data was examined from 411 psychologists' and psychology trainees' accounts of their most recent TCIT experience.

RESULTS

TCIT occurred with a diverse group of clients and happened throughout treatment. In 55% of accounts, therapists believed that their client was aware of TCIT. In 73%, the client was crying during TCIT. The most common emotion felt by the therapist was sadness. The most common session content for TCIT was grief. Data regarding therapists' experience of their tears and how they handled TCIT are presented.

CONCLUSIONS

Therapists who discuss their TCIT with clients tended to report improvement in rapport. Suggestions are offered for clinicians regarding how to work with TCIT in therapy sessions.