15 Signs You're a Therapy Regular (And Why That's Actually Cool)

15 Signs You're a Therapy Regular (And Why That's Actually Cool)

15 Signs You're a Therapy Regular (And Why That's Actually Cool)

Reading Time: 7 minutes | Category: Therapy Culture

If you schedule therapy appointments with the same dedication you schedule haircuts, keep a running list of "topics to bring up in session," or have ever said "my therapist says..." in casual conversation—congratulations, you're a therapy regular.

And that's not just okay. It's actually cool.

We're living in an era where therapy is finally getting normalized. Gen Z talks about their therapists like older generations talked about their hairdressers. Celebrities openly credit therapy for their mental health. And people are starting to realize that going to therapy doesn't mean you're "broken"—it means you're actively working on your mental health.

So if you've ever wondered whether you're "too into" therapy or if it's weird that you look forward to your weekly sessions—this one's for you. Let's celebrate therapy culture and all the hilariously specific ways it shows up in our lives.

Table of Contents

The Rise of Therapy Culture (And Why We Love It)

Remember when people whispered about going to therapy like it was shameful? When "seeing someone" meant a psychiatrist and you definitely didn't tell your coworkers?

Those days are over.

How Therapy Became Cool

Gen Z normalized it. This generation grew up with mental health awareness baked into their worldview. They talk about therapy the way boomers talk about going to the gym—as routine self-maintenance, not crisis intervention. The pandemic accelerated it. When everyone was struggling with their mental health, therapy stopped being "for crazy people" and started being "for literally everyone." Suddenly, your boss, your neighbor, and your mom were all in therapy. Social media amplified it. Therapist influencers on TikTok and Instagram are translating therapy concepts for the masses. Terms like "attachment styles," "boundaries," and "people-pleasing" entered everyday vocabulary. Therapy memes went viral. Celebrities got real. When people like Simone Biles, Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Selena Gomez talk openly about therapy, it gives millions of people permission to do the same.

The New Therapy Culture

Going to therapy used to be something you hid. Now it's something people bond over.

"Oh, you're in therapy too? Who's your therapist? Do you do CBT or DBT? Have you tried EMDR?"

It's the new small talk. And honestly? We're here for it.

15 Signs You're a Therapy Regular

You know you're a therapy regular when...

1. You Schedule Life Around Therapy, Not the Other Way Around

Normal people: "I have therapy at 2pm, so I'll reschedule my meeting."

You: "Sorry, can't do Thursday at 2pm. That's my therapy slot. Has been for 3 years. Non-negotiable."

Your therapy appointment is sacred. You've turned down plans, rescheduled work calls, and declined invitations because they conflict with your weekly session. Your therapist gets priority scheduling over pretty much everyone else in your life.

2. You Keep a Running List of "Therapy Topics"

You have a Notes app titled "Things to Tell [Therapist Name]" that's updated multiple times per week.

Sample entries:

  • "Mom said the thing again"
  • "Work boundary violation - discuss"
  • "Weird dream about childhood home???"
  • "That thing from 3 weeks ago is bothering me again"
  • "Ask about attachment style stuff"

You've become your own intake coordinator.

3. You've Said "My Therapist Says..." in Casual Conversation

And you don't even realize how often you do it until someone points it out.

"My therapist says that's classic avoidant attachment behavior." "My therapist says I should set a boundary there." "My therapist says it's okay to put myself first sometimes."

Your therapist has become an authority you cite like people cite their doctor, their lawyer, or their favorite podcast host.

4. You Know Your Therapist's Schedule Better Than Your Own

"She's on vacation next week, so I won't have session." "He only does Tuesdays and Thursdays after 3pm." "She's fully booked until January, but I'm on the cancellation list."

You've internalized your therapist's availability, vacation schedule, and booking patterns. You know when they take lunch breaks. You know which days they're in the office vs. doing teletherapy.

5. You Have Strong Opinions About Therapy Modalities

"CBT is fine, but DBT really changed my life." "I tried psychodynamic therapy for 6 months—not for me." "EMDR was intense but SO worth it." "I'm doing ACT now and it's clicking in a way nothing else has."

You don't just "go to therapy." You understand the different approaches, know which ones work for you, and have Opinions™ about them.

6. You've Cried in a Therapy Session and Weren't Even Embarrassed

The first time you cried in therapy, you apologized profusely.

Now? You just grab the tissue box without missing a beat. Sometimes you start crying before you even finish the sentence. Your therapist has seen you ugly cry, snot cry, silent cry, and rage cry.

You've learned that crying in therapy isn't weakness—it's release.

7. You Understand Therapy Billing Codes

You know the difference between a 53-minute session and a 60-minute session. You know what "superbill" means. You've navigated out-of-network reimbursement. You understand copays, deductibles, and why your therapist bills the way they do.

You've become fluent in mental health insurance bureaucracy. (And you have Opinions about that, too.)

8. You've Developed a Pre-Therapy Routine

Some people meditate before therapy. Some make coffee. Some go for a walk.

You have a specific routine that gets you into the right headspace:

  • Arrive 5 minutes early
  • Sit in your car and mentally review what you want to talk about
  • Take three deep breaths
  • Walk in ready to do the work

Or maybe your routine is arriving frazzled, stress-eating snacks in the waiting room, and apologizing for being a mess. That's valid too.

9. You've Defended Therapy to Family Members Who "Don't Believe in It"

"You're still going to that therapist? You've been going for 2 years. Shouldn't you be 'fixed' by now?"

And you've had to explain—sometimes multiple times—that therapy isn't about being "fixed." It's about growth, maintenance, processing, and having a safe space to work through life.

You've become a therapy evangelist to skeptical family members.

10. You Know Exactly How Much Therapy Costs You Per Year (And You Don't Care)

$200/month. $2,400/year. Sometimes more with copays and deductibles.

Is it expensive? Yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely.

You've done the math. You know some people spend $2,400/year on streaming services, coffee, or hobbies. You spend it on your mental health. And you've stopped feeling guilty about it.

11. You've Had "Therapy Homework" and Actually Did It

Your therapist suggested journaling, and you journaled. They recommended a book, and you read it. They asked you to try a coping skill, and you tried it.

You take your therapy homework as seriously as you took actual homework in school. Maybe more seriously, because this actually matters to your life.

12. You've Experienced "Therapy Hangover"

That emotionally exhausted feeling after a particularly intense session where you processed something deep. You leave therapy and need to just... sit. Maybe cry in your car. Maybe take a nap. Maybe cancel plans because you're emotionally spent.

You've learned that therapy isn't always an "up" experience. Sometimes it's hard. And that's okay.

13. You Refer Friends to Therapy (Gently)

When a friend is struggling, you don't just say "have you tried yoga?"

You say, "Have you thought about talking to someone? I can send you some therapist finder resources if you want."

You're not pushy. You're not preachy. But you know therapy helped you, and you want that for the people you love.

14. You've Stayed with the Same Therapist for Years

Finding a good therapist is like finding a good hairdresser—when you find one you love, you don't let go.

You've been seeing your therapist for 2 years. 5 years. Maybe even 10+ years. You've gone through breakups, job changes, moves, and major life transitions together.

Your therapist knows your history. They remember things you told them 3 years ago. They know your patterns, your triggers, your growth.

You're in it for the long haul.

15. You Own a Therapy-Themed Shirt (Or Want One)

You've either bought a "Therapy Is Expensive" shirt, a "Going to Therapy Is Cool" tee, or you've thought about it.

You wear your therapy regular status like a badge of honor. Because it is one.

Why Being a Therapy Regular Is Actually Cool

Let's be clear: Going to therapy regularly doesn't mean you're "more messed up" than other people. It means you're actively working on yourself. And that's rad.

Therapy Regulars Are Self-Aware

You know your triggers. You understand your patterns. You can identify when you're spiraling and have tools to manage it.

Most people go through life on autopilot, repeating the same unhealthy patterns without understanding why. Therapy regulars? They're doing the work to break those cycles.

Therapy Regulars Prioritize Mental Health

In a world that glorifies hustle and grind, therapy regulars carve out time every week to focus on their mental health. That's not weakness—that's strength.

You're choosing to invest in yourself. You're saying "my mental health matters enough to dedicate time and money to it." That's powerful.

Therapy Regulars Are Better Communicators

When you spend an hour every week practicing emotional vulnerability and communication with a trained professional, it translates to the rest of your life.

Therapy regulars tend to:

  • Express their needs more clearly
  • Set boundaries more effectively
  • Navigate conflict more skillfully
  • Ask for help when they need it

These are life skills that benefit every relationship you have.

Therapy Regulars Normalize Mental Health Care

Every time you mention therapy casually, you make it a little less stigmatized for someone else.

"Sorry, can't make it—I have therapy" normalizes mental health appointments.

"My therapist and I were talking about..." normalizes seeking professional help.

"I've been in therapy for 5 years" normalizes long-term mental health care.

You're part of the cultural shift that's making therapy accessible and acceptable.

Therapy Regulars Are Doing Preventative Care

You don't wait until you're in crisis to go to therapy. You go regularly to process life, maintain mental health, and catch issues before they become overwhelming.

It's like going to the dentist for cleanings instead of waiting until you have a cavity. Preventative care works.

The Therapy Regular Starter Pack

If you're a therapy regular, you probably own/experience some combination of these:

The Essentials

  • ✅ A therapist you've been seeing for 1+ years
  • ✅ Therapy scheduled at the same time every week
  • ✅ The Psychology Today therapist finder bookmarked
  • ✅ A "therapy outfit" (comfy clothes you wear to sessions)
  • ✅ Strong feelings about your therapist's office decor

The Mindset

  • ✅ "Therapy isn't for crazy people, it's for people who want to be mentally healthy"
  • ✅ "Mental health is health"
  • ✅ "Everyone should be in therapy, honestly"
  • ✅ "My therapist is basically my life coach"
  • ✅ "Therapy is the best money I spend every month"

The Behaviors

  • ✅ Defending your therapy time like it's a sacred ritual
  • ✅ Journaling between sessions
  • ✅ Practicing coping skills your therapist taught you
  • ✅ Using therapy language in everyday life ("That triggered my anxiety," "I need to set a boundary")
  • ✅ Recommending therapy to friends (gently)

The Physical Evidence

  • ✅ A stack of therapy homework worksheets
  • ✅ Books your therapist recommended
  • ✅ A well-worn path to your therapist's office
  • ✅ Therapy receipts for insurance reimbursement
  • ✅ Maybe a therapy-themed shirt or two

Navigating Therapy Regular Life

How to Talk About Therapy (Without Being Preachy)

Do:

  • Mention it casually when relevant
  • Share what you've learned if someone asks
  • Normalize it by treating it like any other appointment
  • Offer resources if someone expresses interest

Don't:

  • Tell everyone they "need therapy" (even if they do)
  • Overshare your therapist's advice to people who didn't ask
  • Make it your entire personality
  • Judge people who aren't in therapy

When People Say "You're STILL Going to Therapy?"

Response options: The educational: "Therapy isn't about being 'fixed.' It's ongoing maintenance and growth." The comparison: "I've been going to the gym for 5 years. Should I stop because I'm in shape now? Therapy is the same—it's maintenance." The boundary: "It works for me, and I'm not stopping." The honest: "Yeah, and it's the best decision I make every week."

Finding Your Therapy People

Not everyone will get it. That's okay.

Find the people who:

  • Also go to therapy and talk about it openly
  • Validate your mental health journey
  • Ask "How was therapy?" the way others ask "How was your weekend?"
  • Share therapy memes and say "this is SO my therapist"

Those are your people. Cherish them.

Therapy Apparel for the Culture

Here's the thing about being a therapy regular: you're part of a culture now. And cultures have ways of identifying each other.

Band t-shirts. Sports jerseys. Political buttons.

For therapy regulars? It's mental health apparel that actually gets it.

Why Therapy Shirts Matter

When you wear a shirt that says "Therapy Is Expensive" or "Going to Therapy Is Cool," you're:

  • ✅ Normalizing therapy - Making it visible and unremarkable
  • ✅ Finding your people - Other therapy regulars will recognize you
  • ✅ Starting conversations - "I love your shirt. I'm in therapy too."
  • ✅ Reducing stigma - Every time someone sees your shirt, therapy becomes a little less taboo

Real Stories from Therapy Regulars

"I wore my 'Therapy Is Expensive' shirt to my session and my therapist laughed so hard. She said three other clients have the same one. We're all out here living the therapy regular life." - Alex, 29 "A stranger in Target stopped me to compliment my 'Going to Therapy Is Cool' shirt and we ended up talking for 10 minutes about our therapists. It was the most wholesome interaction I've had with a stranger." - Jordan, 25 "My therapist asked where I got my mental health humor shirt because she wanted to recommend it to other clients. I felt like I'd come full circle." - Sam, 33

Shop Therapy Culture Apparel

We created therapy shirts for therapy regulars—by therapy regulars.

Featured Therapy Designs:

💸 Therapy Is Expensive Shirt - For copay veterans who get it

🛋️ Mental Health Humor Collection - 33 designs that normalize therapy culture

💬 Going to Therapy Is Cool (if we have it) - Normalize mental health treatment

✨ Mental Health Shirts Collection - For therapy regulars and mental health advocates

Every shirt is:

  • Soft premium cotton (therapy appointment comfort)
  • Unisex sizing (true to size)
  • Designed by therapy regulars (we get it because we live it)
  • Conversation starters (find your therapy people in the wild)

Shop Therapy Culture Shirts →

The Bottom Line: Therapy Regulars Are Cool

If you go to therapy every week, you're not "too dependent" on your therapist. You're committed to your mental health.

If you've been in therapy for years, you're not "failing to get better." You're doing maintenance, processing life, and growing continuously.

If you talk about therapy openly, you're not "oversharing." You're normalizing mental health care.

Being a therapy regular is cool because:

  • You're self-aware enough to recognize you need support
  • You're committed enough to show up every week
  • You're brave enough to do the hard work of processing emotions
  • You're open enough to talk about it and reduce stigma

Three Things to Remember

1. Therapy isn't a sign of weakness. It's a sign you're actively working on yourself.

2. There's no timeline. Some people need 6 months of therapy. Some people need 6 years. Both are valid.

3. You're not alone. Millions of people are in therapy right now. You're part of a community that's changing how we talk about mental health.

Ready to rep therapy culture? Shop Therapy Humor Shirts →

Related Reading

  • "Why Mental Health Matters: Breaking Stigma One Conversation at a Time" (Day 1) - Read here →
  • Coming soon: "How to Talk About Mental Health Without the Toxic Positivity" (Day 3)
  • Coming soon: "The Real Cost of Mental Health Treatment" (Day 5)

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About ZeroFilterCo

We're a mental health apparel brand created by therapy regulars, for therapy regulars. We make shirts that normalize mental health conversations, celebrate therapy culture, and give people permission to be real about their struggles.

Because mental health apparel shouldn't be preachy or cringe. It should be real.

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If you're looking for a therapist, check out Psychology Today's Therapist Finder or Open Path Collective for affordable therapy options.

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