What To Do If You See Your Therapist Out in the Wild
A simple guide for a very normal, very human situation.
If you live anywhere in Fargo–Moorhead, you already know that running into people is a given (whether we want to “people” that day or not). Grocery stores, coffee shops, the mall, the chances of bumping into your therapist at some point are pretty high.
When it happens, most people have the same reaction:
“Wait… what do I do??”
Totally normal. Here’s exactly what to know, hopefully without the awkwardness.
If your therapist doesn’t say hi first, it’s on purpose (in a good way).
Therapists are required to follow an ethical guideline:
We do not approach clients in public unless the client initiates.
It might look like ignoring or avoiding, but it’s simply about protecting your privacy. You might not want the people you’re with to know you’re in therapy, and that’s your right. So if I walk past you at the mall or are standing behind you in line at Youngblood looking at the ceiling, I’m just doing my job.
If you do want to say hello, keep it light and with what you feel comfortable with. Public spaces are not the ideal place for deeper topics, even if you may have that type of openness or relationship with your therapist.
Things you probably want to avoid:
“So, about my childhood trauma…”
“Here’s my brother I’ve been telling you about!”
Life updates you don’t want strangers overhearing
Just keep it casual:
“Hi! Hope you’re having a good weekend!”
“I didn’t expect to see you here!”
Remember we are just humans interacting with each other
We follow your lead and keep it just as light, so you’re not standing in Costco processing your emotions by a giant bag of chicken tenders.
You can’t mess this up, really.
There is no “right” way to handle seeing your therapist in public.
Do whatever feels comfortable:
✔ Say hi
✔ Don’t say hi
✔ Smile and keep moving
✔ Pretend you’re strangers
✔ Make brief eye contact and do the bro-acknowledgement head nod
Lastly, some clients walk into their next session like:
“I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to say something about seeing you at yoga…”
You don’t have to bring it up unless you want to. If it felt awkward or brought something up emotionally, of course we can talk through it. There is no expectation or rule that you have to make it a topic.
What about Social Media?
This one comes up more often than people expect, especially because many therapists (such as myself) have public business pages or their own professional page online.
It’s totally okay if you find or follow my public page.
If you come across my business/therapist Instagram, website, or a video/reel that pops up on your explore page, it’s not weird. You’re not crossing a boundary by looking at something I intentionally put on the internet. You get to choose whether you want to follow or not. If following feels supportive or helpful, go ahead. If it feels too close or like blending boundaries, then don’t. Both are right because it’s your decision to make.
We are required to respect your privacy & confidentiality
Based upon our ethical guidelines, therapists should not be following or constantly engaging with clients on social media platforms. A comment or quick message can be appropriate but if something online brings up a feeling, you’re welcome to bring it into session. Therapy is allowed to include conversations about these types of things too!
Therapists are humans too (shocking, I know).
Some type of interaction outside of the session will likely happen, I mean we therapists do exist in the same universe as you. We go to grocery stores, coffee shops, the gym, and social events. I always joke that I’m basically a Sims character or NPC so when you leave session, I just freeze in place until you come back for your next appointment.
So if you run into me at Scheels?
I’m probably overstimulated and trying to checkout as quickly as possible.
If you see me at brunch?
I promise I’m not judging your mimosa order.
If you spot me at the gym or a yoga class?
Please just ignore the sweat marks and heavy breathing.
remember this
Your comfort and privacy come first. Always.
I will do my best to match your vibe & make it as least awkward as possible.
from your favorite Sims character therapist,
Morgan
