You’re Not a Therapist (And You Shouldn’t Try to Be)

Leaders aren’t therapists.

But some days it feels like that.

Someone’s upset. Someone’s overwhelmed. Someone’s going through it - and now it’s landed in your messenger DMs.

You care. You want to help.

But what’s the line between being supportive... and being their emotional life raft?

Here’s the hard truth:

• You can’t heal people.

• You can support them.

• You can set guardrails.

• You can create a work environment that doesn’t add to the chaos.

But you’re not responsible for fixing anyone’s life.

Try this instead:

• Hold space, not solutions.

  You don’t have to solve their problem. Just listen with curiosity and care.
  

• Protect your energy.

  If every 1:1 leaves you emotionally drained, it’s time to set clearer boundaries.
  

• Normalize help.

  Therapy, coaching, HR, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - remind them these exist. You’re a manager, not a mental health professional.

You’re here to lead.

Not to carry everyone’s emotional backpack.

So ask how they’re doing. Listen. Be human.

But know where your job ends. And theirs begins.

That’s not cold.

That’s Good Enough Leadership.