From Shadows to Recognition: A Therapist’s Public Dilemma

“Never have I ever!” It’s a game we often play at parties or gatherings, and one statement I used to share in my mental health professional (MHP) group was: “Never have I ever had a client jump up in joy to meet me outside the therapy room.”
With my practice shifting online over the past four years, this sentiment felt even more profound because I had not met most of my clients in person.
Occasionally, when I do encounter clients by chance, the experiences have been…………….interesting.
➡️ I’ve passed clients on the road with nothing more than a polite nod.
➡️ Some would later message or email me, explaining the anxiety they felt or how they didn’t know how to handle the moment.
➡️ I’ve even had clients visibly distressed upon seeing me, needing follow-up sessions to process the encounter.

These moments often made me wonder: Was I merely a shadow of support, someone who wasn’t meant to be acknowledged publicly or introduced to others? (She- who- must- not- be- named !)
Over time, I convinced myself it didn’t matter. In fact, I believed that clients might not even remember me during their happiest moments—and I was okay with that. After all I was here to support.
But last evening shattered that belief.

Exhausted from 12 hours on the road, I was taken completely off guard when someone dashed up behind me, squealing with excitement: “You’re my therapist! You’re my therapist!” For a moment, my tired brain struggled to process what was happening. The last time I recall anyone being that thrilled to see me was my child, running to me after school.
Pardon the comparison but I saw the same joy, chirpiness, tigger kind of excitement.
This client was ecstatic, calling their partner over to meet me. It was an incredible, heartwarming experience—one I never thought I would ever have. It reminded me of the profound connections we build, even through the virtual walls of online therapy.
I hope every therapist gets to experience a moment like this at least once. It’s a beautiful reminder of the impact we can have.

Therapists- What is your never have I ever experience as a therapist? Do share it in comments here: Client Connections