Therapy for Lawyers: The Role Of Therapy In The Legal Profession

The legal profession can be gratifying, but navigating today’s professional environment can feel overwhelming. For lawyers, finding time to breathe can feel impossible, especially if you’re constantly working overtime, dealing with strict deadlines, and holding yourself to unrealistic expectations.

At the same time, the margin for error is extremely low—and your work-life balance might feel nonexistent. As a result, many legal professionals and law students experience anxiety, depression, burnout, relationship strain, and other mental health issues due to work-related challenges.

You’re far from alone if you’re dealing with mental health issues. Here’s how psychotherapy can help you prioritize your mental health, practice mindfulness, and find balance.

What mental health struggles do lawyers face?

In a national survey of 13,000 lawyers, 28 percent, 19 percent, and 23 of the participants experienced some level of depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. In addition, between 21 and 36 percent of the participants experienced substance use issues.

The legal profession can affect your mental health, whether you’re studying for the bar exam or managing your law firm. And when you add challenging clients, frustrating opposing counsel, and the intricacies of the legal system to the mix, it’s no surprise that lawyers face a higher risk of mental health problems.

Even if you’re doing everything right, deadlines can catch up to you. You might try your best to find a balance, set limits, and step away from work, but new cases always get in the way. Between new requests from clients and unexpected filings, you find yourself working long hours and sacrificing your personal life for work.

How can psychotherapy help lawyers?

From relationship issues to chronic stress, therapy can make all the difference in your mental health. Therapy digs deep into your mental health, work challenges, and emotional issues, so you address the root cause of your anxiety, depression, and burnout. At the same time, you’ll be able to work on healing earlier trauma that might be affecting your professional life.

When you find a therapist you feel comfortable with, you’ll find productive opportunities to sift through uncomfortable emotions, find a safe space to express your feelings, and learn lifelong coping mechanisms. Your therapist can help you find sustainable ways to practice self-care, even taking baby steps. Simple changes like exercising regularly and prepping healthy meals can help you build resilience and feel your best.

Psychotherapy can help you set healthy boundaries and stick to them. If you struggle to say “no,” you can work with your therapist to reframe your perspective. You don’t always have to be a can-do person, and learning to say “no” to new projects, responsibilities, and events can help you make time for what matters.

How can you find the right therapist?

If you’re already overwhelmed, it might be tempting to schedule an appointment with the closest counselor and hope for the best. However, research consistently shows that your therapeutic relationship matters—and finding the right therapist can help you improve your mental health and carve the best path forward.

Online therapy might be the best option if you’re juggling a hectic schedule. Many online therapists offer flexible appointment times, including evenings and weekends, so you don’t have to sacrifice your work schedule for quality mental health care. Whether you’re experiencing substance use issues, fighting burnout, or navigating trauma, online therapy platforms make it easy to find a therapist with the right experience.

Online therapy platforms like The Therapy Group of NYC also use HIPAA-compliant software, so you’ll never have to worry about confidentiality issues (or, worse, running into clients at your therapist’s office).

Compassionate Therapy for Lawyers in NYC

The practice of law can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. The right therapist can help you develop sustainable coping strategies, gain insights into your mental health, and improve your quality of life.

To find the right fit, reach out to a therapist through The Therapy Group of NYC. We’re here to help you with every step, from scheduling your first appointment to prioritizing your mental wellness. No matter where you are in your mental health journey, one of our experienced therapists will help you make a positive change in your mental health.