Therapist, you spend your days holding space for others—but who’s holding space for you?
Join the therapist pen-pal list! I write back: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenb
In this episode, we’re diving into a topic that doesn’t get nearly enough attention: friendship, and why therapists need real, meaningful connections too. If you’ve been listening for a while, I hope you consider me a friend in some way, but let’s be real—no podcast can replace the power of in-person connection. Inspired by a recent conversation that left me rethinking everything I thought I knew about friendships, I was blown away by the research on how they directly impact our mental and physical health. Let’s talk about why friendship isn’t just a ‘nice to have’—it’s a necessity.
I also discuss groundbreaking research, including Julianne Holt-Lunstad’s studies on social connectivity and mortality risk. Her research found that strong social bonds reduce the risk of death by 50%—a greater protective factor than even quitting smoking. In other words, friendships aren’t just nice to have; they are essential for our survival and well-being.
I reflect on my own experiences of isolation as a therapist and how the nature of therapy work can make it difficult to build and maintain friendships. I also explore how modern life and technology have contributed to a loneliness epidemic. Inspired by Mel Robbins’ discussion of ‘The Great Scattering,’ I examine how friendships naturally decline as we move through different life stages, and why it takes intentional effort to maintain them as adults.
Finally, I share a personal story about navigating rejection in friendships and how my perspective has shifted over time. If you’ve ever felt disconnected or struggled to maintain friendships while balancing the demands of being a therapist, this episode is for you.
Key Topics Covered:
Resources Mentioned:
Join the Conversation: What has your experience been with friendships as a therapist? Do you find it hard to maintain connections outside of work? Let’s talk about it—DM me on LinkedIn and share your thoughts!
