Is Your Psychiatrist Judging You?

Psychiatrists are supposed to be open-minded and empathetic to your problems. Read the full article on how to spot if your psychiatrist is judging you.

A psychiatrist is supposed to provide you with a safe place where you can openly share your thoughts, experiences, and feelings without being judged, criticised or condemned. 

Maintaining a non-judgmental environment is one of the most critical aspects of treatment. The attitude of “no matter what you share, I still regard you highly” helps the healing process.

One of the critical aspects of the therapeutic relationship is openness. It is vital for both the psychiatrist and you to communicate their feelings and experiences to the other. During this process, trust builds, making you feel safer. If you do feel judged by your psychiatrist, feel free to share your concerns with them.

Psychiatrists are trained to have unconditional positive regard for their patients. Psychiatrists will try to stop you from judging yourselves, and they may choose a route that may seem judgemental. But you will need to understand whether they are actually judging you or helping you heal.

If you feel like your psychiatrist considers you a “bad person” just by looking at you, that is generally impossible. Most psychiatrists look at disordered behaviour, no matter how bad the condition is, as part of a more extensive system in which a patient exists. 

While judging and disliking someone is part and parcel of being human, therapists will try their best not to judge you because it can hinder the healing process. They will examine you and your behaviour to provide the most accurate treatment to help you become healthier.

Medically reviewed by Dr Sunitha MBBS, DPM (NIMHANS), DNB

Dr Sunitha serves as the Chief Psychiatrist at Agan Health Trichy. She specialises in Adult Psychiatry, and her fields of interest include consultation liaison psychiatry and women's mental health. With over 15 years of experience in the field of mental healthcare, Dr Sunitha has been instrumental in positively transforming the lives of many in Tamil Nadu. She is also a consulting psychiatrist at some of the reputed mental health institutions in Tamil Nadu.