therapists are providers the same way doctors or dentists are. Except the difference is that they take on the responsibility of nurturing and healing someone’s mind, which is something that isn’t even visible. Second hand trauma, amplified anxiety, then returning home to your friends and family housing all that information, on top of dealing with their own whatever they’re dealing with is a lot. Therapy takes a lot of time for people, so it isn’t like a doctor where you say, “here are my symptoms, diagnose me and fix it, then I’ll come back once a month for 5 minutes to make sure I’m good to go.” It’s hours and hours for multiple times every single day. Each story with its own horrors and awful, sad details that a therapist has to put on a poker face for and try to remain professional. Once you step out that door, they’re human, too, not superhuman. It leaves lasting effects on them, too. That type of help doesn’t come free, and it shouldn’t be expected to. On top of that, they are licensed, educated, well-trained individuals who worked hard to get where they are and owe thousands for it. Loans, bills, and life in general cost money. That’s how life works. Are there therapists that up-charge for services? Sure. Are there therapists that are corrupt with I’ll intentions? Sure. But that’s in every profession. So, just like with any other, you move on and try someone else. To lump them all into a category of narcissistic is inaccurate and unfair.