The temptation to compare your therapy experience to someone else’s is strong and understandable. If you find yourself being drawn in by the lure of the highlight reels, try to ground it in reality. Although there will be some similarities with other people’s experiences, your therapy experience will be unique. You have the power to create an experience that you desire and that will be helpful in your real life.

The “good guy” identity can be both an asset and a trap. As an asset, it suggests that the individual has morals, a likeable personality, and functions at a socially acceptable level. This makes the individual an appealing relationship partner. However, as a trap, the “good guy” identity limits self-expression, interferes with integration of parts-of-Self, and questions the authenticity of relational connection.