Tissues on the side table. That’s one of the first things people notice when they walk into a therapist’s office. They’re there for a reason. Crying happens in therapy all the time, and therapists are completely prepared for it.

But knowing that doesn’t always make the fear go away. The thought of breaking down in front of a stranger can feel mortifying, especially if you’re someone who usually keeps emotions private. You might wonder if you’ll be able to get words out between sobs, or if the therapist will just sit there watching you fall apart.

Here’s what you should know. Crying in therapy is not only okay, it happens all the time. Therapists expect it, they’re prepared for it, and they definitely don’t think less of you for it.

A lot of us grew up hearing messages that crying was something to avoid. Maybe you were told to stop crying as a kid. Or emotions weren’t really acknowledged in your family.

These messages stick with us. Even when we logically know that crying is a normal human response, it can still feel exposing to do it in front of someone else. Especially someone you just met.

If you’re feeling anxious about starting therapy, the fear of crying is probably part of that. You’re not alone in this, and it doesn’t mean you’re not ready for therapy. It just means you’re human.

Therapists see tears regularly. It’s part of the job. When you start crying in session, your therapist isn’t going to panic, look uncomfortable, or rush you through it.

Most therapists will slow down and give you space. They might offer tissues. They’ll stay present with you rather than trying to quickly move past the moment. They understand that tears often signal something meaningful is happening.

Crying doesn’t derail the session. In many cases, it’s actually a sign that you’re connecting with emotions that matter. The things that make us cry are often the things we most need to talk about.

One common fear is that once you start crying, you won’t be able to stop. That the floodgates will open and you’ll completely lose it. This rarely happens the way people imagine it will.

Most of the time, tears come and then pass. You might cry for a few minutes and then feel ready to continue talking. Or you might need a moment to collect yourself before moving forward. Either way, it’s manageable.

Our Philadelphia therapists are trained to help you stay grounded even when emotions feel intense. They help you regulate if things start to feel overwhelming. You’re not going to fall apart with no one there to help you put yourself back together.

Tears show up for all kinds of reasons, and they’re not always about sadness.

Sometimes people cry from relief. Finally saying something out loud that they’ve been holding inside can bring a wave of emotion that includes tears. It’s like setting down something heavy you’ve been carrying for a long time.

Sometimes people cry when they feel understood. Having someone really listen and reflect back what you’re experiencing can be unexpectedly moving, especially if you haven’t felt heard in a while.

Grief, frustration, anger, overwhelm, and even happiness can all bring tears. Whatever triggers your crying, it’s giving you and your therapist useful information about what’s going on inside.

Here’s something else worth mentioning. You don’t have to cry in therapy. Not everyone does, and that’s completely fine.

Some people process emotions differently. Some people feel more comfortable expressing themselves through words or other means. Others take longer to access deeper feelings, and tears might come later in the process or not at all.

There’s no right way to do therapy. Crying isn’t a measure of how well the session went or how deeply you’re engaging with the work. If you never shed a tear in therapy, that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.

If you’re someone who really struggles with crying in front of others, that’s actually worth bringing up with your therapist. Not to avoid the topic, but to explore it.

Why does crying feel so threatening? What messages did you receive about emotions growing up? What do you believe will happen if you let yourself cry? These questions can lead to meaningful conversations that help you understand yourself better.

You might also consider scheduling your appointments at times when you won’t have to immediately return to work or face other people. Some people prefer late afternoon sessions so they can go home afterward. Others like morning appointments before the day gets busy. Think about what would help you feel most comfortable.

Therapists go to therapy themselves, so they know what it feels like to be vulnerable in that room. They’re not sitting there judging you for having emotions. They see tears as a natural part of the work, not as something embarrassing or problematic.

Most therapists actually view crying as a positive sign in some ways. It often means you feel safe enough to let your guard down. It means you’re connecting with real feelings rather than staying on the surface. The work is touching something genuine.

Your tears are not a burden to your therapist. They’re not thinking about how to make you stop crying so the session can get back on track. They’re thinking about how to support you through whatever is coming up.

If you’re worried about crying in your first therapy session, here are a few things that might help.

Bring tissues with you, or note where they are in the room. Knowing they’re within reach can make you feel more prepared.

Give yourself permission ahead of time. Tell yourself it’s okay if you cry and okay if you don’t. Taking the pressure off can actually make the whole experience less intimidating.

Remember that therapists have seen it all. Whatever happens in your session, they’ve witnessed something similar before. You’re not going to shock them or make them uncomfortable.

Plan something gentle for after your appointment. A walk through your neighborhood, a coffee from your favorite place, some quiet time before jumping back into your day. Give yourself space to decompress.

Therapy involves talking about things that matter to you. The experiences that shaped you, the relationships that affect you, the patterns you want to change. These are emotional topics. It makes sense that emotions would show up, including tears.

Rather than seeing crying as something to fear or avoid, try thinking of it as part of what makes therapy effective. The willingness to feel your feelings, even the uncomfortable ones, is often what leads to real progress.

When you’re ready to find a therapist in Philadelphia, know that whoever you work with will welcome your tears along with everything else you bring to the room. That’s what therapy is for.

We offer in-person therapy in Philadelphia and Haddonfield, with online sessions available throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

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