How to Talk to Your Friends and Family About Starting Therapy

You’ve made the decision to start therapy—a powerful, personal step toward taking care of yourself. But then another, sometimes trickier, decision arises: Who do I tell? And what do I say? Talking about therapy can feel vulnerable. You might worry about how people will react, whether they will understand, or if they will see you differently.

At Televero Health, we know that navigating these conversations is a common concern. The good news is that you are in complete control. Deciding to share your therapy journey is a personal choice, and you get to decide the who, what, when, and how. Having a plan can help you approach these conversations with confidence and care.

First, Decide If You Want to Tell Anyone

Remember, you are under no obligation to tell anyone that you are in therapy. It is your private, confidential health information. Many people go to therapy for years without discussing it widely. You might choose to keep it to yourself for a while as you get comfortable with the process, and that is perfectly okay. The most important person who needs to know and approve of your decision is you.

If You Decide to Share, Choose Your Audience

If you do decide you want the support of others, be thoughtful about who you tell. You don’t have to make a grand announcement to everyone in your life. Start with the people you trust the most—the ones who have proven themselves to be supportive, non-judgmental, and good listeners in the past. This might be your partner, a best friend, or a sibling. You can start with just one person. The goal is to build a circle of support, not to inform a crowd.

Keep It Simple and Direct

When you’re ready to have the conversation, you don’t need a long, dramatic speech. Often, a simple, direct, and matter-of-fact approach is best. You can frame it in a way that feels comfortable to you.

Here are a few examples of what you could say:

The proactive, self-improvement approach: “I wanted to let you know that I’ve decided to start working with a therapist. There are some things I want to work on for my personal growth, and I’m really excited about it.”
The “I’m dealing with something” approach: “I’ve been having a really hard time lately with stress/my mood, so I’ve started talking to a counselor to get some support and learn some new coping skills.”
The simple and direct approach: “Just so you know, I have a therapy appointment every Tuesday afternoon, so I won’t be available then. It’s something I’m doing to take care of my health.”

You do not have to share the specific details of what you are working on in therapy unless you want to. You can simply say, “I’d rather not get into the details, but I appreciate you being someone I can tell.”

Prepare for Different Reactions (and Set Boundaries)

People will react based on their own experiences and beliefs about therapy. Most people in your trusted circle will likely be supportive. They might say, “That’s great, I’m proud of you,” or “I’m here for you if you need anything.”

However, some people might react with confusion, concern, or even unhelpful advice, due to their own discomfort or lack of understanding. They might ask a lot of invasive questions or say something like, “You don’t need therapy, you just need to be more positive!”

It’s helpful to be prepared for this and to have a gentle but firm boundary ready. You can say:

“I appreciate your concern, but this is a personal decision that I feel good about.”
“This is something I’m doing for my health with a professional, and I’d appreciate your support.”
“I’m not looking for advice right now, but I appreciate you listening.”

Sharing your therapy journey can be a way to deepen your connection with the people you trust and to build the support system you deserve. By approaching it thoughtfully, you can navigate these conversations in a way that feels safe and empowering for you.

Key Takeaways

You are in control; you are not obligated to tell anyone you are in therapy.
If you choose to share, start with the one or two people you trust the most.
Use a simple, direct, and matter-of-fact approach. You do not have to share the specific details of your sessions.
Be prepared for a range of reactions and have gentle but firm boundaries ready for any unhelpful responses.

Ready to take the first step? We can help. Get started with Televero Health today.