When Therapists Fart: Embracing Humanness in Therapy

Think about it, therapists are human too. We often manage to hold in those unfortunate occurrences, but sometimes, the natural human reaction can be a blessing in disguise. Over the years, technology has stepped up to the plate, introducing products like FartLox and Spanx, which patent a novel method to safely store and release gas, making our therapists’ sessions much more pleasant and devoid of unexpected odors. However, as someone who has experienced this first-hand, I can assure you that all it takes is one encounter to appreciate the humorous side of it all.

An Embarrassing (Yet Amusing) Story

On the third day of our sessions, she walked in talking about something completely irrelevant, only to suddenly pause and clutch her stomach. Her next words were, "Mind if I just pass gas in here?" At first, I worried she was going to flood the hallway, but being the tolerant soul that I am, and considering her request was for my nose’s sake, I agreed. She leaned forward slightly before letting out a bubbly and monstrous fart. It was unexpected, even for someone who has heard older women fart before.

The sound, combined with a light smile, quickly turned into genuine laughter, which she saw and found hilarious. Ever since then, she has embraced the fact that she can fart in front of me without any reservations. This mutual understanding has fostered a deeper bond and shared sense of humor between us. It's these small, unexpected moments that make therapy so incredible and human.

Why It Matters to Embrace a Human Therapist

Questions often arise about the humanity of our therapists. Are they just professional figures or do they have, and can we relate to, the same human experiences? To me, a therapist is not just a professional figure, but a real person who happens to be trained in mental health and emotional support. My therapist, for instance, has had days where she comes in unshowered and in yoga pants. Her stomach noises are a small inconvenience that we often joke about to keep the session light. Even when she's "off," she still shows up and offers her support. I've never asked for a stone wall environment; instead, I look for a real person to interact with.

For those in long-term therapy, the idea of a constantly professional demeanor is less important. My primary goal is simply for my therapist to show up. If she's human, so be it. Embracing the human side of therapy can lead to a more authentic and effective therapeutic relationship. And, let's be real, laughter is the best medicine, even if it comes from unexpected places like a bubbly and monstrous fart.