When Therapists Cry: Implications for Supervision and Training

The majority of psychologists cry in their role as therapists but no research has explored training or supervision in relation to this topic. Psychologists and trainees (N = 686) filled out a survey on therapist crying in therapy. Almost all (96.5%) reported that psychologists should be trained on how to handle their emotions, but only 36.4% reported receiving training on therapist crying. Half of all respondents reported having discussed crying with a supervisor; one-third had never discussed their most recent tears with anyone. Suggestions are offered for supervisors in order to manage discussion of therapist crying in therapy (TCIT) in psychotherapists’ training.