Outrageous Moments in Therapy: Real Stories That Changed Lives

Therapy is often seen as a serious and sometimes intense process. However, it’s not uncommon for these sessions to be laced with humor, unexpected moments, and even some outlandish statements. We’ve compiled a list of some outrageous things that counselors and therapists have said during their sessions. If you've had any eccentric episodes yourself, feel free to share in the comments below!

1. 'My Alcohol Consumption is the Cause of My Mental Disorder Symptoms'

One individual recounts an encounter with a counselor who made a baffling and dismissive statement: 'I’m not bipolar. My alcohol consumption is the cause of my mental disorder symptoms.' This client, who has been managing bipolar disorder for 28 years and has a history of psychiatric treatment, found the accusation unfounded. The counselor’s remark was particularly disconcerting as the client had quit drinking 14 years ago.

This experience left the client feeling frustrated and questioning the competence of the counselor.

2. Ganged Up on by an Untrustworthy Adult

Henry Smith-Rohrberg shares a different kind of outrageous moment. One of his parents would force him to accompany her to a counseling session with a psychologist due to his poor grades. During the session, the psychologist and his parent ganged up on him, leading Henry to realize that the adults in his life were not to be trusted. In the aftermath, Henry stopped using his parent’s car, which was also a means to facilitate his abuse. This moment was transformative for Henry, teaching him to be wary of authority and to protect himself.

In a follow-up session, the mother’s words assuaged him: 'You made me feel better after this session. Thanks.' Henry’s response was a profound: 'I feel like a puppy.'

3. 'Get Over Here'

During a therapy session, a counselor made a direct and amusing comment to a patient: 'Hey you. Yeah you. Get over here.' This encounter occurred in the therapist’s office, and the counselor’s loud and direct comment drew attention from the waiting room. Despite the initial embarrassment, the patient found the experience light-hearted and note-worthy. The therapist, while humorous and silly, was also deeply caring and genuine in his approach to therapy.

The counselor also vowed to find a new way to embarrass the patient every week, leading to a series of playful interactions during subsequent sessions.

4. An Unspoken Moment of Connection

Another story involves an unspoken moment of connection during a shopping trip. A client walked out of an aisle in Walmart while a therapist walked out of the aisle in front of them in the opposite direction. They shared a brief, subtle nod and went their separate ways. In the subsequent therapy session, the therapist addressed the moment, turning it into a teachable moment. This seemingly insignificant interaction became a growth point for both the client and the therapist.

These moments, whether outrageous, humorous, or unspoken, highlight the depth and complexity of therapeutic relationships. If you have similar experiences to share, feel free to comment below and let us know which moment resonates with you the most.