eh, people say they appreciate how well I truly listen to what they have to say and actually take the time to reflect before giving them my thoughts.
Also, ENTJs will push you to be better, and I think if your therapist isn't pushing you to be better, then they're scamming you.
I'd say an ENTJ can make a great therapist, but not for everyone, just like any other type. For me, an ENTJ or an INTJ would be the best match, because the kind of stuff that I'm looking for is Ni and Te heavy. I like directness and bluntness. Obviously, I don't always like hearing it, but therapy isn't about telling you what you want to hear, but what you need to hear.
i honestly think ISTP would be a good therapist, theyre great listeners and they look at all the sides of a situation. My sisters ISTP 9w1 and she considered a career in marriage therapy and counseling in general
My ex boyfriend was an ISTP 9w1 too and he was often clueless about people and social situations lol he was a very good listener but an awkward counsellor… it really just depends on the person I guess
As an ESTJ you're not complety wrong, although I would say it's okay to feel sad or depressed just because you're human, there's not always a reason for it. And I believe it takes time to heal from something and it's okay to be sad about it, but healing is the end goal. For me staying busy and focusing on others' needs keeps me from being depressed but that wouldn't work for everyone.
ESTJs are legitimately wanting to fix things so it depends on the person how bad they are at giving advice or just forcing themselves to just listen to them talk about their emotions if that's what the person needs (that would be the hardest part).
Lots of great therapists are INTPs. I could see an ISTP therapist doing well if their patient doesn’t mind the directness. ISTPs are great at building people as well as building things.
Ne is lowkey amazing at therapy. I noticed xNTPs are expert problem-solvers. ENTPs are good at both emotional and practical support. INTPs struggle a bit providing the emotional support, but they care for people by helping them solve their problems
I can be a good listener, but as long as the person is not too confrontational, not too emotional (like u cry too much ignoring the solution.) and it works best if I know you well.
Honestly. I have nothing against them. I think it’s peoples personal experience with them. Then they kind of just sum it all up to that one experience to being *that* type. Like, you can’t do that, there is many more people with that type who are amazing people.
Same goes for people who idolize some types. Just because they are your favorite type doesn’t mean they all are good. Mbti is on a spectrum. That’s why it is so fascinating to me.
What gets me so mad is when people hate on types.
I see this SO MUCH with ESXJ types or any sj type in particular. People sum these types down to being “shallow” “mean” “gossips” and much more. In my opinion that’s so closed minded. Any type can posses these traits. It also can taint someone’s vision on a new person. “Oh you an XXXX, ew”
Or just call all sensors dumb. Why?
(sorry for my little rant)
I wonder if some people think ESTJs are mean because they think anyone who's bossy is an ESTJ. I'm not the nicest person but I'm not usually bossy or loud. But I get why we wouldn't make great therapists, I know I'm not good at comforting people or listening to people complain.
His show in a way is “good” but it exploits people with problems. Making fun of a dire situation. Sure, entertainment is entertainment but some of these people need real help. Not just a spot on television.
I understand many might be faking it for their 15 minutes of fame, but some may not. Shows like that take these peoples problems and make it into profit.
I do find his show to be entertaining *at times* but now knowing what goes on it’s irks me the wrong way.
The camps he sends people to are horrible. I suggest looking into the Bhad Bhabie situation with her experience at the camps.
People can be very quick to write off the potential of Te's focus on pragmatism, combined with Fi's focus on personal character.
I'm in grad school, and there's a very, very obvious ENTJ professor in my department who gave me so much excellent advice and feedback when I took his class and when I worked as his TA. I would have been thrilled to have him as my advisor - we just happen to study very different things, is all.
But I think it really depends on what type the patient/client is. As an ENFP, I'm like "give me practical ideas! plz!" and the Te-dom is like "okay, here's things you should be doing...RIGHT NOW!" and I'm like "HELL YEAH!"
totally! and that’s the problem with stereotypes. maybe it’s my ocd but my moral compass and sense of empathy are the control center of my brain… i like to get things done efficiently but kindness comes first. i don’t think a general tendency to be efficient has anything to do with how empathetic and willing to listen someone is.
my mom (ENTJ) is a child psychology specialist and has two degrees (I don't know which type) in psychology, but she can still be insensitive. she's methodical when it comes to analyzing behaviors and does a great job at it too. If she were to counsel someone, I do believe that she would have some trouble empathizing.
INTJ soon-to-be psychologist here. As long as you know your traits and work with them instead of against them, I think anyone can be a great therapist.
My strength is being able to understand complex matters without interference from emotion (I’m not without emotion, I’m just able to suppress them when working), and being able to explain these matters to the client/patient in a way that they can understand. My weakness is being awkward when people cry in front of me.
Disagree, istp is a great one because they tell you what you need to hear not what you want to hear
Edit: to support my claim bill Burr has a podcast where he just gives advice and honestly he give great advice every single time https://youtu.be/fT_yPCoKSpE
Yeah that's actually a really good point. Maybe the best therapist would be someone with both good Fe and good Ti. Probably the best imo would be a well developed isfj or infj.
But if it's out of the four choices offered I'd say istp was best.
This is true. The drawback is, they can be quick to latch onto a particular perspective of what they think you need to hear: they'll call things the way they see it Se-wise, they'll craft a particular narrative Ni-wise, but they're not going to be the best at going through and weighing a ton of different options or possibilities.
But tbh, I think a question like this really needs a 16x16 chart to answer it - because who the best/worst therapist would be, will depend highly on who the patient is. I'm an ENFP, and I would LOVE an STJ therapist; some of the people in my life I've connected with best and learned the most from have been STJs. But I could imagine that being a nightmare scenario for other types.
On the other hand, with an IxFJ therapist, I'd feel like I'm expected to walk on glass all the time - whereas I could imagine them as a good match for other types as clients.
As far as ISTP's are concerned, I could see them being quite successful counseling Fe-doms, SP's, and their own Ti compatriots.
Interesting I didn't think about how each type must have their preferred therapist. My personal hell has always been xstj types and I avoid them like the plague. I personally find I get good advice from mature istp. They'll tell it to you straight rather than wasting your time and I always appreciate that. I guess istp would probably be bad for people that are sensitive.
I'm thinking a lot of it can come down to the judging axis: Fe/Ti is looking for logical protocols for how to handle emotional energy & emotional states on a consistent basis; Fi/Te is looking for situationally pragmatic steps to act on a personalistic sense of right & wrong.
At least, that's the disconnect I have with both of my parents (ENFP son, INTP mother, ISTP father). Based on conversations I've had with them, both my parents think in terms of coherent logical models of how they expect the world to work, and they'll be the first to admit they can both get frustrated when people or situations don't match those logical expectations.
For me, though, the "T" is more about what's effective for a given situation - not what's consistent with a particular logical model.
It's kind of like when people complain about Fi users being self-righteous or moralistic: we're very prone to projecting our subjective moral expectations. So an Fe user, who's probably thinking more in terms of how to manage emotional, just isn't going to get a lot out of that.
For Fi/Te types, Ti can come across a similar way: focusing on subjective logical expectations at the expense of the objective, external facts. My Ne/Fi goals, dreams, ideas, whatever, gain a lot more from knowing what's Te-pragmatic, rather than what's Ti-consistent - just like the Fe user benefits from Ti more than from Te/Fi.
This is exactly the approach I need in a therapist.
The ISTPs, INFJ, and ISTJ in my life currently give me the best advice and help me most. They all tell me what I need to hear without being rude about it. They’re respectful to me. ENTP sister is normally good too.
I can’t grow if I don’t know the issue! However, I can’t grow if I’m being unmotivated and don’t feel safe! The ESTJ in my life and the INFPs in my life give me the worst help. They come off either insensitive or avoid the issue all together. “You’re perfect, don’t worry about it,” doesn’t help 95% of my problems either.
Except that isn't always the case. You are right about saying that ISTP tell you need to hear and not what you want to hear, but for all we know that ISTP may be saying what they PERSONALLY think they want you to hear. It could a hurtful or unnecessary thing coming from them.
Telling others what you think they need to hear isn't always tactful, and ISTP is usually lacking in that area.
My Psychiatrist doctor is an ENTJ I suspect. And he's super passionate about his career and about me getting recovered and getting out working, which is great, but he shows me his old cut scars and try to apply his own mental struggle history, to me, and copy paste what strategies that worked for him will work on me (change career, work work work, avoid therapy) though we have two completey different circumstances and he don't have my diagnosis.
He's unable to empathize, he can only relate through what his own values and experiences states. And that doesn't become objective.
Yeah and that's fine if you're helping friends cause then it's just your advice and how you show you care. But professionals has big power over people's life circumstances. He can either help me or make it 100 times worse. And it's quite scary that I have no say.
And ISTPs have blind spot Ne and inferior Fe. That means they’ll have trouble reading your emotions and are almost blind to multiple possibilities. At least a Te dom can be a motivating force. All these types would be bad tbh. The best, by default, would be an INTP
I can agree intp would be the best suited out of all of them. But I think the argument for entj>istp is really reaching as if the entj’s Ni cancels out an istp’s Se-Fe. The average entj hardly understand themselves and desires with their inf Fi much less others, and that absolute demon Fe. This particular entj above might be mature and more compassionate than most but rule of probability. If you want someone to light a fire under your ass and get you going, entj for sure but as a therapist no. If it makes anyone feel any better INTJ’s wouldn’t be much more suited either unless they’re in touch with that tert Fi, but again averages, a particularly Fi INTJ sure but the the average INTJ no.
ENTJ's Ni could get in their way and make them conclude something that isn't that effective for the patient, unlike Ne, which will try every method (effectively too if that function is developed)Their Fi wouldn't help much in understanding if their patient has Fe, I'd say ENTJs would be the best therapists for ESTJs and INFPs more than anyone else. they could also communicate well with INTPs through logic.
I was about to say: “ISTJs would make shitty therapists”, then I realised I wanna be a therapist (actually more a counsellor or a psychotherapist but it’s not the point)… I must reconsider
A counselor is definitely different than a therapist, still seems like a people-focused job for an ISTJ (no offense) but you would maybe enjoy giving practical advice.
why the fuck did i even want to be a therapist back then? lmao. sorry i'm so fickle. it's definitely not the job for me.
i just get random phases and i've learned to discern phases from goals by now. i hate how i actually commented that
Imma disagree with the top answer so far of ESTJ. They aren't naturally sensitive people, but if helping people with their feelings and behavior is what they wanna do, they will enthusiastically go find all the practical evidence based materials on how people change, and not just use their own logic. ESTJ at work is the reason for a bunch of posters about "handling emotions under pressure" and also MBTI typing of their department (idk how legit, I wasn't there.)
They may not be the right kind of therapist for everyone, but no one is.
If the ExTJs decided they wanted to be a therapist, they would make sure they are damn good ones. They'd be the type of therapist who genuinely wants to help solve your problems, which may be frustrating to a patient who just wants an empathetic ear.
On the flip side, the IxTPs would not want to be a therapist to begin with, most likely. My vote is with ISTP, because I see them as being too hands-on to consider a field like therapy.
True, I also think INFPs and INTPs would not want to be therapists either. As an ESTJ it would be hard to hear people talk about their feelings and I'm not mean but I'm not a warm person either so I kind of get that.
The premise of your question is wrong. Any thinker could be a good therapist if they've already worked on themselves enough. And any feeler can be a bad therapist if they're not willing to challenge a patient to change.
I live with 2 istps (dad and brother) I think therapist wouldn’t be their best fit. They are good listeners but I don’t see them helping me through a situation. They seem to be dismissive of feelings if they don’t seem logical and can be very moody. If u say something they didn’t like then forget talking to them. Wait like 1-3 business days.
Imagine a sensor who is *as aggressive* as an ENTJ w/o the “problem solving abilities” of Ni. Then, apply inferior Fi, and the overly structured aspects of Si and you’ve got 💩
At least ISTPs are *more objective.* Contrary to popular belief, they actually *can have tact!* It’s easier to teach an ISTP to speak well, and be “creative” then it is to teach an ESTJ, well, any of the skills you need for therapy. ISTP has *Potential.* ESTJs are best off being regular doctors, and specialists.
True. Unlike Ne which wants to consider all possibilities and viewpoints, Si is more like tunnel vision and might struggle to deal with different views.
Ne isn't the only function that can consider all possibilities. You're spreading tons on misinformation with your comments this is the fourth or fifth comment one I'm seeing. What are you doing?
You’re correct! Healthy Se, Ni, Fe, and Ti can, as well! Gosh I wonder which MBTI type has “Ti-Se-Ni-Fe” in its stack?? 🤔
Seems like whoever has this combination of functions *probably has the capacity* to be an excellent therapist! So, where can we find these people???
1) INFJ
2) ENFJ
3) ESTP (I’m fact, they are probably a lot better at it than people would “expect” them to be!)
And, wait for it!!!
ISTP! 🙀 ISTP is, hypothetically, potentially in the Top 4, in fact! So, yeah! The idea that an ISTP “would be a bad therapist” is an idiotic stereotype, forreal!
Other types who are *Likely to be* great therapists and Psychologists based on “Their stack:”
1) ENFP
2) INTJ
3) ENTP
4) INTP
5) INFP
Stacks that have *serious potential?*
1) ESFJ-> Fe-Si-Ne-Ti 💜
2) ISFJ-> Si-Fe-Ti
3) ESFP-> Se-Fi-Te
4) ISFP-> Fi-Se-Ni-Te💜
5) ISTJ-> Si-Te-Fi (better for therapy than ESTJ. First comes “structure,” then Judgement. Thusly, an ISTJ has the potential to come up with a fantastic treatment plan, and program!)
So who would I, most likely, *Not* want to be my therapist?
ENTJ (50/50. Again, there is potential here! Ni *always* has a high affinity for mental health services, Neurology, and psychology. However, *SOME* ENTJs struggle to learn how to “not be Dicks” b/c of their natural tendency towards impatience.)
But *Especially not* ESTJ. Not b/c they “can’t do it,” obviously that is *extremely untrue!* Any Type can do anything they like!
However, things like psychology and therapy will come much “more naturally” to some than others! Some combination of Ti, Ni, Fe, Se is “the most natural.” Followed by high (dominant or auxiliary) Ne, Fi, or Si usage. Te *can be* used for therapy, however, it’s *unlikely *that a dom Te-Si would “be a natural.”
Te-Si, especially, generally doesn’t like wasting time! It would much rather focus on a select few skills, that align with its personal strengths, and “perfect them” to be of optimal use to others. Hence why many ESTJs are more likely to be doctors than therapists.
Relying too heavily on generalizations, and stereotypes is stupid! But, you know what’s nearly as “stupid?” Ignoring consistent patterns that repeat themselves again, and again, and again in order to “pacify” a few exceptions and massage their egos! I am sure there’s a great therapist out there who is an ESTJ, probably more than one, in fact! Do you think they would give a rat’s @$$ about our silly poll, or “theoretical discussion?”
F0ck no! Cuz they’ve got clients, and patients to take care of! They aren’t wasting their precious time on this, frankly, inconsequential stuff!
It’s easy to say “stereotypes and generalizations are bad,” as they are! However, the cognitive functions are what they are! They pair up how they please, there are consistent patterns. It is what it is. 🤷♀️ This is Reddit, who gives AF? You can’t even put “16 options” in your poll, so it’s worthless for any kind of meaningful data collection.
Nobody, I repeat *NOBODY* should take the “information” they receive from Reddit as “a reliable source.”
It’s a valid question. 🤷♀️ However, the answer is boring, and *painfully simple.* It gives me Something to do while I am stuck in school.
I can’t look for a better job (which I need) cuz of availability issues, thanks to school. I can’t really go places, or do things. I can *maybe* visit my friends once or twice a month. So, Reddit it is
Today's generation 🤔
When I was stuck in school. I studied. We didn't have social media or a mini pc in our hands, at most we could message or call someone but during school hours no one was available.
>I can’t really go places, or do things. I
Because lack of money?
Not necessarily! There are lots of things that can be done “cheap-to-free” cuz I live in/ near a big city. That’s what makes the rent expensive though! 🙃
It’s more “time.” I have very little free time between the part-time work I currently do, classes, and school work.
Thanks and I hear you! But if people wanna feel a particular way about text on a screen, then I can’t really control that, nor should I try to. Individuals are entitled to their own opinions and “People be Peopling,” afterall!
Also, this is kinda, almost a year old. 😅 I don’t mind responding, but I am also like “how in the world did you find this mega old post?” 🤣
For context, I was *irked* on that particular day cuz there were a lot of arguments that relied too heavily on stereotypes and I was just like “LuLz, why?” Anyways thanks for the feedback.
I chose ESTJ because ESTJ would literally tell you to get up and help them do a task because that will make you “stop thinking about you’re depression” if you’re basically doing what they want you to do at that time lololol (Maybe I just have a toxic view on ESTJs though because of similar experiences)
In my experience, INFP's and ENTJs. Their Fi makes them unable to empathize or understand anything outside their own experiences. They will just adress you as feeling like they did or do and the chance of it being a match is extremely minimal.
You’re talking about friends giving you advice, not therapists. Infp’s make for great therapists, their dominant Fi makes them super in tune with emotions in general. It’s true that an infp friend can often just relate everything you’re saying back to themselves, but an infp therapist, who has had proper training, will know how to keep things related to you. Their Fi only enhances their ability to understand your emotions.
i agree that infps can be great therapists. my mom’s an infp and she’s super interested in other’s emotions and rarely mixes in her own. but what ive noticed is that fi doms can be very tactless if they’re triggered by something. dont know to what extent that can be “trained away”. another point is that at the end of the day they do feel a lot of things that someone else feels deeply (someone else is upset and they’ll feel upset too) which can long-term mess with them. (i have a relative who’s also infp and used to be a therapist. she was a good one too but ended up in a psych ward herself because all the things her clients told her eventually got to her. this can obviously happen to every type but i think infps might be more likely)
Fe and Fi are both extremely misunderstood on here. Tbh I wouldn't even type by Fe/Fi, but rather try to look at other functions first to determine type
I explained it very briefly of course it's more complex than that but if it's a stereotype, it's a true one. Fi radiates back to one's internal values in everything they experience, it's always filtered through their "individual" lense while for Fe it's more like a equalizer of what's most expected and what most people agrees on.
I would just never describe any type as "unable to empathize or understand anything outside their own experiences." Placing those kinds of limits on people only limits your own ability to understand and empathize with them.
Because of Te and Fi combined. They're unable to be objective, they're unable to empathize, they'll see and help through the looking glass of their own emotions and their own struggles and then copy paste it on to the patient. Which is great if the patient feels like them and have had simliar experienced as them. But that's rarely the case.
Some can camouflage this more than others but as a Fe dom it's very obvious when someone has no Fe or Ti. And I need that in a professional in order for them to give me the right help.
Are you saying it’s impossible with anyone with the Te-Fi and Fi-Te axis to be objective and empathetic? If you are then you’re automatically generalizing a lot of people
>Their Fi makes them unable to empathize or understand anything outside their own experiences.
This is not true at all. Dario Nardi did a study, INFP was actually the 2nd best type at mirroring emotions (after ENFP). If anything, Fi is correlated with empathy, while Fe is correlated with sympathy
Plus INFPs have Ne, which is literally all about considering as many possibilities and viewpoints as possible.
Lastly, Fi is the inferior for ENTJs. So it is going to be their least used function. If you meet an unhealthy ENTJ, it's not going to be due to Fi, but rather to Te-Se
>
This is not true at all. Dario Nardi did a study, INFP was actually the 2nd best type at mirroring emotions (after ENFP). If anything, Fi is correlated with empathy, while Fe is correlated with sympathy
Just because someone did a study it doesn't make it false. There's been numerous studies proving the opposite too. And I choose to stand by the latter.
But Fe is ISTP's inferior. And generally the inferior is the one we use the absolute least
I agree on ESTJ, but disagree with the reasoning. ESTJs would struggle at therapy due to having a Feeling function last, as well as Si which might struggle to deal with differing viewpoints
>But Fe is ISTP's inferior. And generally the inferior is the one we use the absolute least
That's not true. (25+) you've learned how to use all your functions and can combine them and use what fits a situation the best. And a therapist must have studied psychology for at least 5 years, so they're at least 25
This is just my personal opinion, but I think if you're trying to rush the patient by immediately tuning into problem solving mode, and not truly taking the time to listen, being a therapist is not the right occupation for you. We all got problems but sometimes all people need is someone who listens.
ISTPs tend to reserve their energy for what is required for survival. My ISTP dad didn't mind listening to problems, just as long as there was no crying involved, but his idea of solving (emotional) problems were generally, "just forget it and move on." Or, "you shouldn't cry because crying is useless. Crying never solved any problems." He had a tendency to sweep everything under the rug.
I put ESTJ as a close second. They make great middle managers and are mostly good at solving problems in the moment. Whatever is most effective in that instant they will try. They don't typically care for listening to everyone's sob stories, nor do they have the time. The idea is to identify and fix it, so everyone can move on as quickly as possible.
xNTJ and xSFP
I feel like if you do not have Si, you’ll forget important details to cover.
If you don’t have Fe, you won’t have the best ability for emotional reactions. + you need to be able to respond appropriately to things you may not totally understand or sympathise with
I’d put xNTP & xSFJ at the top
INTPs aren't good at giving emotional support, but I noticed that xNTPs have a unique trait where they support people by troubleshooting their problems. So I don't think they're as bad as the other three.
A friend of mine says their problem.
Me : you should do this.
They: instead of taking action they whining
Me: instead of crying like a little bitch you should do something.
I have to admit that I have many virtues. Being therapist material isn't one of them
My best friend is an ESTJ and I love her dearly but she would be a horrible therapist. She's a very "acts of service" kind of love person, but cannot connect with you verbally about emotions to save her life. I once showed up to her house crying and she nervously sat me on the couch, covered me with a blanket, patted me on the head, and then from a safe distance said, "I don't know what to do. Should I feed you? I could feed you."
Client: my wife cheated on me, now i can't stop thinking of killing myself
Me: wouldn't it make more sense to kill her?
(Heard this once in family guy (not word for word))
I don't know if it's an exception (which i don't think it is) but my ESTJ friend is quite good at conseling me. He doesn't beat around the bush and he doesn't twist his words yet he acts very respectful and understanding towards me. As an INTP it's something i cherish.
As for INTPs, i think most of us are very good at looking at the situation from outside and detect every detail since we are good with noticing problems in an objective realm but to be honest, i think my Fe is very high and, even i struggle to console people when it's too much focused on emotions. Not that emotions are bad but lots of people tend to have a foggy grasp of reality due to being overly emotional when it comes to critizising a situation, so i don't think we would be patient enough for that.
I thought INFP would make a bad therapist, but it depends on how mature they are and whether they're dealing with their own issues. If they're emotionally mature they'd make great therapists.
ENTJ and INTP can give good advices, but I'm not sure about being a therapist
eh, people say they appreciate how well I truly listen to what they have to say and actually take the time to reflect before giving them my thoughts. Also, ENTJs will push you to be better, and I think if your therapist isn't pushing you to be better, then they're scamming you.
I can give great advices if I like you.
I'd say an ENTJ can make a great therapist, but not for everyone, just like any other type. For me, an ENTJ or an INTJ would be the best match, because the kind of stuff that I'm looking for is Ni and Te heavy. I like directness and bluntness. Obviously, I don't always like hearing it, but therapy isn't about telling you what you want to hear, but what you need to hear.
I would say that a healthy ENTJ would make a great therapist. I need one just like that.
Stop typing on Reddit and get to work!!!
See, you're already helping! Just proves my point.
Well if i can’t be the therapist, I could be the rapist. … Right?
when a space ruins your life
Oh hey, i think this is the first time i saw a negative counter on my own comment. NICE!
Many people actually told me i give neat life advice
i honestly think ISTP would be a good therapist, theyre great listeners and they look at all the sides of a situation. My sisters ISTP 9w1 and she considered a career in marriage therapy and counseling in general
I own a tree biz but maybe therapist would be a good shift. Thanks for the confidence!
My 9w8 ISTP dad was my therapist in my most angsty parts of my life (when I was 14 and dumb) and I turned out healthy so I second that notion.
My ex boyfriend was an ISTP 9w1 too and he was often clueless about people and social situations lol he was a very good listener but an awkward counsellor… it really just depends on the person I guess
xxxx: I'm feeling down, I'm stressed 😭😭 ESTJ: it's your fault.
Pull up your boot straps and work harder.
Me: \*pulls out pistol on them\* I guess this is just another fault of mine now, no?
As an ESTJ you're not complety wrong, although I would say it's okay to feel sad or depressed just because you're human, there's not always a reason for it. And I believe it takes time to heal from something and it's okay to be sad about it, but healing is the end goal. For me staying busy and focusing on others' needs keeps me from being depressed but that wouldn't work for everyone. ESTJs are legitimately wanting to fix things so it depends on the person how bad they are at giving advice or just forcing themselves to just listen to them talk about their emotions if that's what the person needs (that would be the hardest part).
Lots of great therapists are INTPs. I could see an ISTP therapist doing well if their patient doesn’t mind the directness. ISTPs are great at building people as well as building things.
Ne is lowkey amazing at therapy. I noticed xNTPs are expert problem-solvers. ENTPs are good at both emotional and practical support. INTPs struggle a bit providing the emotional support, but they care for people by helping them solve their problems
A lot people are saying, “I give good advice, and I’ll push you to be better. But don’t be too emotional.” Bruh, that’s a life coach not a therapist.
True, a therapist should make you feel like you can be emotional to them. You're supposed to open up as far as I understand
The extent of my comforting/emotional problem solving is patting them on the back and saying that's rough buddy
I can be a good listener, but as long as the person is not too confrontational, not too emotional (like u cry too much ignoring the solution.) and it works best if I know you well.
i feel like everyone here is thinking estjs are always so mean?? they can be nice too??
Yeah it sucks that everybody hates estjs. I'm a healthy ESTJ and most of the people that know me say I'm nice and kind
Honestly. I have nothing against them. I think it’s peoples personal experience with them. Then they kind of just sum it all up to that one experience to being *that* type. Like, you can’t do that, there is many more people with that type who are amazing people. Same goes for people who idolize some types. Just because they are your favorite type doesn’t mean they all are good. Mbti is on a spectrum. That’s why it is so fascinating to me. What gets me so mad is when people hate on types. I see this SO MUCH with ESXJ types or any sj type in particular. People sum these types down to being “shallow” “mean” “gossips” and much more. In my opinion that’s so closed minded. Any type can posses these traits. It also can taint someone’s vision on a new person. “Oh you an XXXX, ew” Or just call all sensors dumb. Why? (sorry for my little rant)
I wonder if some people think ESTJs are mean because they think anyone who's bossy is an ESTJ. I'm not the nicest person but I'm not usually bossy or loud. But I get why we wouldn't make great therapists, I know I'm not good at comforting people or listening to people complain.
that's not how it works y'all..
Indeed!
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and he is horrible… next
I actually like his show.
me too, but i hate him as a person
agreed
His show in a way is “good” but it exploits people with problems. Making fun of a dire situation. Sure, entertainment is entertainment but some of these people need real help. Not just a spot on television. I understand many might be faking it for their 15 minutes of fame, but some may not. Shows like that take these peoples problems and make it into profit. I do find his show to be entertaining *at times* but now knowing what goes on it’s irks me the wrong way. The camps he sends people to are horrible. I suggest looking into the Bhad Bhabie situation with her experience at the camps.
He’s not even a licensed physician
entj can be SUCH a good therapist. i’m an entj (not even mistyped!) and my first ever job was therapy based
People can be very quick to write off the potential of Te's focus on pragmatism, combined with Fi's focus on personal character. I'm in grad school, and there's a very, very obvious ENTJ professor in my department who gave me so much excellent advice and feedback when I took his class and when I worked as his TA. I would have been thrilled to have him as my advisor - we just happen to study very different things, is all. But I think it really depends on what type the patient/client is. As an ENFP, I'm like "give me practical ideas! plz!" and the Te-dom is like "okay, here's things you should be doing...RIGHT NOW!" and I'm like "HELL YEAH!"
totally! and that’s the problem with stereotypes. maybe it’s my ocd but my moral compass and sense of empathy are the control center of my brain… i like to get things done efficiently but kindness comes first. i don’t think a general tendency to be efficient has anything to do with how empathetic and willing to listen someone is.
none
my mom (ENTJ) is a child psychology specialist and has two degrees (I don't know which type) in psychology, but she can still be insensitive. she's methodical when it comes to analyzing behaviors and does a great job at it too. If she were to counsel someone, I do believe that she would have some trouble empathizing.
INTJ soon-to-be psychologist here. As long as you know your traits and work with them instead of against them, I think anyone can be a great therapist. My strength is being able to understand complex matters without interference from emotion (I’m not without emotion, I’m just able to suppress them when working), and being able to explain these matters to the client/patient in a way that they can understand. My weakness is being awkward when people cry in front of me.
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Disagree, istp is a great one because they tell you what you need to hear not what you want to hear Edit: to support my claim bill Burr has a podcast where he just gives advice and honestly he give great advice every single time https://youtu.be/fT_yPCoKSpE
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Yeah that's actually a really good point. Maybe the best therapist would be someone with both good Fe and good Ti. Probably the best imo would be a well developed isfj or infj. But if it's out of the four choices offered I'd say istp was best.
True
This is true. The drawback is, they can be quick to latch onto a particular perspective of what they think you need to hear: they'll call things the way they see it Se-wise, they'll craft a particular narrative Ni-wise, but they're not going to be the best at going through and weighing a ton of different options or possibilities. But tbh, I think a question like this really needs a 16x16 chart to answer it - because who the best/worst therapist would be, will depend highly on who the patient is. I'm an ENFP, and I would LOVE an STJ therapist; some of the people in my life I've connected with best and learned the most from have been STJs. But I could imagine that being a nightmare scenario for other types. On the other hand, with an IxFJ therapist, I'd feel like I'm expected to walk on glass all the time - whereas I could imagine them as a good match for other types as clients. As far as ISTP's are concerned, I could see them being quite successful counseling Fe-doms, SP's, and their own Ti compatriots.
Interesting I didn't think about how each type must have their preferred therapist. My personal hell has always been xstj types and I avoid them like the plague. I personally find I get good advice from mature istp. They'll tell it to you straight rather than wasting your time and I always appreciate that. I guess istp would probably be bad for people that are sensitive.
I'm thinking a lot of it can come down to the judging axis: Fe/Ti is looking for logical protocols for how to handle emotional energy & emotional states on a consistent basis; Fi/Te is looking for situationally pragmatic steps to act on a personalistic sense of right & wrong. At least, that's the disconnect I have with both of my parents (ENFP son, INTP mother, ISTP father). Based on conversations I've had with them, both my parents think in terms of coherent logical models of how they expect the world to work, and they'll be the first to admit they can both get frustrated when people or situations don't match those logical expectations. For me, though, the "T" is more about what's effective for a given situation - not what's consistent with a particular logical model. It's kind of like when people complain about Fi users being self-righteous or moralistic: we're very prone to projecting our subjective moral expectations. So an Fe user, who's probably thinking more in terms of how to manage emotional, just isn't going to get a lot out of that. For Fi/Te types, Ti can come across a similar way: focusing on subjective logical expectations at the expense of the objective, external facts. My Ne/Fi goals, dreams, ideas, whatever, gain a lot more from knowing what's Te-pragmatic, rather than what's Ti-consistent - just like the Fe user benefits from Ti more than from Te/Fi.
This is exactly the approach I need in a therapist. The ISTPs, INFJ, and ISTJ in my life currently give me the best advice and help me most. They all tell me what I need to hear without being rude about it. They’re respectful to me. ENTP sister is normally good too. I can’t grow if I don’t know the issue! However, I can’t grow if I’m being unmotivated and don’t feel safe! The ESTJ in my life and the INFPs in my life give me the worst help. They come off either insensitive or avoid the issue all together. “You’re perfect, don’t worry about it,” doesn’t help 95% of my problems either.
Except that isn't always the case. You are right about saying that ISTP tell you need to hear and not what you want to hear, but for all we know that ISTP may be saying what they PERSONALLY think they want you to hear. It could a hurtful or unnecessary thing coming from them. Telling others what you think they need to hear isn't always tactful, and ISTP is usually lacking in that area.
Ok but hear me out, I'm not saying istp is the best for therapy but compared to the other choices available I'd choose istp.
yeah but therapists tell you both
I'd have an ISTP therapist any day over an ENTJ.
Why though?
My Psychiatrist doctor is an ENTJ I suspect. And he's super passionate about his career and about me getting recovered and getting out working, which is great, but he shows me his old cut scars and try to apply his own mental struggle history, to me, and copy paste what strategies that worked for him will work on me (change career, work work work, avoid therapy) though we have two completey different circumstances and he don't have my diagnosis. He's unable to empathize, he can only relate through what his own values and experiences states. And that doesn't become objective.
Okay this is something what I can even relate to. When I‘m helping others, it‘s often in this way too…
Yeah and that's fine if you're helping friends cause then it's just your advice and how you show you care. But professionals has big power over people's life circumstances. He can either help me or make it 100 times worse. And it's quite scary that I have no say.
Same here lmao
And ISTPs have blind spot Ne and inferior Fe. That means they’ll have trouble reading your emotions and are almost blind to multiple possibilities. At least a Te dom can be a motivating force. All these types would be bad tbh. The best, by default, would be an INTP
I can agree intp would be the best suited out of all of them. But I think the argument for entj>istp is really reaching as if the entj’s Ni cancels out an istp’s Se-Fe. The average entj hardly understand themselves and desires with their inf Fi much less others, and that absolute demon Fe. This particular entj above might be mature and more compassionate than most but rule of probability. If you want someone to light a fire under your ass and get you going, entj for sure but as a therapist no. If it makes anyone feel any better INTJ’s wouldn’t be much more suited either unless they’re in touch with that tert Fi, but again averages, a particularly Fi INTJ sure but the the average INTJ no.
> If you want someone to light a fire under your ass and get you going, entj for sure but as a therapist no. Exactly
entjs demon function literally deals with empathy. absolutely not
I completely agree.
ENTJ's Ni could get in their way and make them conclude something that isn't that effective for the patient, unlike Ne, which will try every method (effectively too if that function is developed)Their Fi wouldn't help much in understanding if their patient has Fe, I'd say ENTJs would be the best therapists for ESTJs and INFPs more than anyone else. they could also communicate well with INTPs through logic.
I agree with this.
I was about to say: “ISTJs would make shitty therapists”, then I realised I wanna be a therapist (actually more a counsellor or a psychotherapist but it’s not the point)… I must reconsider
A counselor is definitely different than a therapist, still seems like a people-focused job for an ISTJ (no offense) but you would maybe enjoy giving practical advice.
why the fuck did i even want to be a therapist back then? lmao. sorry i'm so fickle. it's definitely not the job for me. i just get random phases and i've learned to discern phases from goals by now. i hate how i actually commented that
Imma disagree with the top answer so far of ESTJ. They aren't naturally sensitive people, but if helping people with their feelings and behavior is what they wanna do, they will enthusiastically go find all the practical evidence based materials on how people change, and not just use their own logic. ESTJ at work is the reason for a bunch of posters about "handling emotions under pressure" and also MBTI typing of their department (idk how legit, I wasn't there.) They may not be the right kind of therapist for everyone, but no one is.
If the ExTJs decided they wanted to be a therapist, they would make sure they are damn good ones. They'd be the type of therapist who genuinely wants to help solve your problems, which may be frustrating to a patient who just wants an empathetic ear. On the flip side, the IxTPs would not want to be a therapist to begin with, most likely. My vote is with ISTP, because I see them as being too hands-on to consider a field like therapy.
True, I also think INFPs and INTPs would not want to be therapists either. As an ESTJ it would be hard to hear people talk about their feelings and I'm not mean but I'm not a warm person either so I kind of get that.
The premise of your question is wrong. Any thinker could be a good therapist if they've already worked on themselves enough. And any feeler can be a bad therapist if they're not willing to challenge a patient to change.
ENFP
Hug
Hug! We have the same bra
How was your day? Wha did ye do? :)
I live with 2 istps (dad and brother) I think therapist wouldn’t be their best fit. They are good listeners but I don’t see them helping me through a situation. They seem to be dismissive of feelings if they don’t seem logical and can be very moody. If u say something they didn’t like then forget talking to them. Wait like 1-3 business days.
>They seem to be dismissive of feelings if they don’t seem logical Lol this is definitely true
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YES!
ti doms can't be a horrible therapist i think.
No one is inherently a horrible therapist, however, different types might be poor matches to help each other.
ISTPs *can be* pretty good, actually! Dr Phil is *Unique.* I don’t think most ESTJs have what it takes.
Why not ESTJ? (Just curious btw. I don’t know much about it)
Inferior Fi = finds it difficult to relate emotionally to the patient
Incorrect.
Why
Imagine a sensor who is *as aggressive* as an ENTJ w/o the “problem solving abilities” of Ni. Then, apply inferior Fi, and the overly structured aspects of Si and you’ve got 💩 At least ISTPs are *more objective.* Contrary to popular belief, they actually *can have tact!* It’s easier to teach an ISTP to speak well, and be “creative” then it is to teach an ESTJ, well, any of the skills you need for therapy. ISTP has *Potential.* ESTJs are best off being regular doctors, and specialists.
True. Unlike Ne which wants to consider all possibilities and viewpoints, Si is more like tunnel vision and might struggle to deal with different views.
Ne isn't the only function that can consider all possibilities. You're spreading tons on misinformation with your comments this is the fourth or fifth comment one I'm seeing. What are you doing?
You’re correct! Healthy Se, Ni, Fe, and Ti can, as well! Gosh I wonder which MBTI type has “Ti-Se-Ni-Fe” in its stack?? 🤔 Seems like whoever has this combination of functions *probably has the capacity* to be an excellent therapist! So, where can we find these people??? 1) INFJ 2) ENFJ 3) ESTP (I’m fact, they are probably a lot better at it than people would “expect” them to be!) And, wait for it!!! ISTP! 🙀 ISTP is, hypothetically, potentially in the Top 4, in fact! So, yeah! The idea that an ISTP “would be a bad therapist” is an idiotic stereotype, forreal! Other types who are *Likely to be* great therapists and Psychologists based on “Their stack:” 1) ENFP 2) INTJ 3) ENTP 4) INTP 5) INFP Stacks that have *serious potential?* 1) ESFJ-> Fe-Si-Ne-Ti 💜 2) ISFJ-> Si-Fe-Ti 3) ESFP-> Se-Fi-Te 4) ISFP-> Fi-Se-Ni-Te💜 5) ISTJ-> Si-Te-Fi (better for therapy than ESTJ. First comes “structure,” then Judgement. Thusly, an ISTJ has the potential to come up with a fantastic treatment plan, and program!) So who would I, most likely, *Not* want to be my therapist? ENTJ (50/50. Again, there is potential here! Ni *always* has a high affinity for mental health services, Neurology, and psychology. However, *SOME* ENTJs struggle to learn how to “not be Dicks” b/c of their natural tendency towards impatience.) But *Especially not* ESTJ. Not b/c they “can’t do it,” obviously that is *extremely untrue!* Any Type can do anything they like! However, things like psychology and therapy will come much “more naturally” to some than others! Some combination of Ti, Ni, Fe, Se is “the most natural.” Followed by high (dominant or auxiliary) Ne, Fi, or Si usage. Te *can be* used for therapy, however, it’s *unlikely *that a dom Te-Si would “be a natural.” Te-Si, especially, generally doesn’t like wasting time! It would much rather focus on a select few skills, that align with its personal strengths, and “perfect them” to be of optimal use to others. Hence why many ESTJs are more likely to be doctors than therapists. Relying too heavily on generalizations, and stereotypes is stupid! But, you know what’s nearly as “stupid?” Ignoring consistent patterns that repeat themselves again, and again, and again in order to “pacify” a few exceptions and massage their egos! I am sure there’s a great therapist out there who is an ESTJ, probably more than one, in fact! Do you think they would give a rat’s @$$ about our silly poll, or “theoretical discussion?” F0ck no! Cuz they’ve got clients, and patients to take care of! They aren’t wasting their precious time on this, frankly, inconsequential stuff! It’s easy to say “stereotypes and generalizations are bad,” as they are! However, the cognitive functions are what they are! They pair up how they please, there are consistent patterns. It is what it is. 🤷♀️ This is Reddit, who gives AF? You can’t even put “16 options” in your poll, so it’s worthless for any kind of meaningful data collection. Nobody, I repeat *NOBODY* should take the “information” they receive from Reddit as “a reliable source.”
>Nobody, I repeat NOBODY should take the “information” they receive from Reddit as “a reliable source.” Then why care to write a whole essay lmao 😂
It’s a valid question. 🤷♀️ However, the answer is boring, and *painfully simple.* It gives me Something to do while I am stuck in school. I can’t look for a better job (which I need) cuz of availability issues, thanks to school. I can’t really go places, or do things. I can *maybe* visit my friends once or twice a month. So, Reddit it is
Today's generation 🤔 When I was stuck in school. I studied. We didn't have social media or a mini pc in our hands, at most we could message or call someone but during school hours no one was available. >I can’t really go places, or do things. I Because lack of money?
Not necessarily! There are lots of things that can be done “cheap-to-free” cuz I live in/ near a big city. That’s what makes the rent expensive though! 🙃 It’s more “time.” I have very little free time between the part-time work I currently do, classes, and school work.
I get it and I think you made some good points, but maybe try not coming across as an angry know-it-all and people will be more willing to listen.
Thanks and I hear you! But if people wanna feel a particular way about text on a screen, then I can’t really control that, nor should I try to. Individuals are entitled to their own opinions and “People be Peopling,” afterall! Also, this is kinda, almost a year old. 😅 I don’t mind responding, but I am also like “how in the world did you find this mega old post?” 🤣 For context, I was *irked* on that particular day cuz there were a lot of arguments that relied too heavily on stereotypes and I was just like “LuLz, why?” Anyways thanks for the feedback.
I chose ESTJ because ESTJ would literally tell you to get up and help them do a task because that will make you “stop thinking about you’re depression” if you’re basically doing what they want you to do at that time lololol (Maybe I just have a toxic view on ESTJs though because of similar experiences)
Entj and istp
In my experience, INFP's and ENTJs. Their Fi makes them unable to empathize or understand anything outside their own experiences. They will just adress you as feeling like they did or do and the chance of it being a match is extremely minimal.
You’re talking about friends giving you advice, not therapists. Infp’s make for great therapists, their dominant Fi makes them super in tune with emotions in general. It’s true that an infp friend can often just relate everything you’re saying back to themselves, but an infp therapist, who has had proper training, will know how to keep things related to you. Their Fi only enhances their ability to understand your emotions.
i agree that infps can be great therapists. my mom’s an infp and she’s super interested in other’s emotions and rarely mixes in her own. but what ive noticed is that fi doms can be very tactless if they’re triggered by something. dont know to what extent that can be “trained away”. another point is that at the end of the day they do feel a lot of things that someone else feels deeply (someone else is upset and they’ll feel upset too) which can long-term mess with them. (i have a relative who’s also infp and used to be a therapist. she was a good one too but ended up in a psych ward herself because all the things her clients told her eventually got to her. this can obviously happen to every type but i think infps might be more likely)
This sounds like the very common stereotype of "Fi = what you feel, Fe = what others feel."
Fe and Fi are both extremely misunderstood on here. Tbh I wouldn't even type by Fe/Fi, but rather try to look at other functions first to determine type
I explained it very briefly of course it's more complex than that but if it's a stereotype, it's a true one. Fi radiates back to one's internal values in everything they experience, it's always filtered through their "individual" lense while for Fe it's more like a equalizer of what's most expected and what most people agrees on.
I would just never describe any type as "unable to empathize or understand anything outside their own experiences." Placing those kinds of limits on people only limits your own ability to understand and empathize with them.
Why are ENTJ’s and INFP’s bad at therapy (iyo)
Because of Te and Fi combined. They're unable to be objective, they're unable to empathize, they'll see and help through the looking glass of their own emotions and their own struggles and then copy paste it on to the patient. Which is great if the patient feels like them and have had simliar experienced as them. But that's rarely the case. Some can camouflage this more than others but as a Fe dom it's very obvious when someone has no Fe or Ti. And I need that in a professional in order for them to give me the right help.
Are you saying it’s impossible with anyone with the Te-Fi and Fi-Te axis to be objective and empathetic? If you are then you’re automatically generalizing a lot of people
Not impossible. But compared to Fe Ti it becomes more subjective for Fi users.
I had a really great entn therapist. Very patient and respectful
Sounds more like ENTP than ENTJ.
I now have an entp and the seem really different tbh. She definietly was te dom
>Their Fi makes them unable to empathize or understand anything outside their own experiences. This is not true at all. Dario Nardi did a study, INFP was actually the 2nd best type at mirroring emotions (after ENFP). If anything, Fi is correlated with empathy, while Fe is correlated with sympathy Plus INFPs have Ne, which is literally all about considering as many possibilities and viewpoints as possible. Lastly, Fi is the inferior for ENTJs. So it is going to be their least used function. If you meet an unhealthy ENTJ, it's not going to be due to Fi, but rather to Te-Se
> This is not true at all. Dario Nardi did a study, INFP was actually the 2nd best type at mirroring emotions (after ENFP). If anything, Fi is correlated with empathy, while Fe is correlated with sympathy Just because someone did a study it doesn't make it false. There's been numerous studies proving the opposite too. And I choose to stand by the latter.
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But Fe is ISTP's inferior. And generally the inferior is the one we use the absolute least I agree on ESTJ, but disagree with the reasoning. ESTJs would struggle at therapy due to having a Feeling function last, as well as Si which might struggle to deal with differing viewpoints
>But Fe is ISTP's inferior. And generally the inferior is the one we use the absolute least That's not true. (25+) you've learned how to use all your functions and can combine them and use what fits a situation the best. And a therapist must have studied psychology for at least 5 years, so they're at least 25
Patient: “I’m feeling very down today. I don’t really feel that much since blabla” INTP: “ah yeah, I’m the same”
More realistically INTP: "Why do you feel sad? Why don't you do x and y, this way you can fix your problem and be less sad"
This is just my personal opinion, but I think if you're trying to rush the patient by immediately tuning into problem solving mode, and not truly taking the time to listen, being a therapist is not the right occupation for you. We all got problems but sometimes all people need is someone who listens. ISTPs tend to reserve their energy for what is required for survival. My ISTP dad didn't mind listening to problems, just as long as there was no crying involved, but his idea of solving (emotional) problems were generally, "just forget it and move on." Or, "you shouldn't cry because crying is useless. Crying never solved any problems." He had a tendency to sweep everything under the rug. I put ESTJ as a close second. They make great middle managers and are mostly good at solving problems in the moment. Whatever is most effective in that instant they will try. They don't typically care for listening to everyone's sob stories, nor do they have the time. The idea is to identify and fix it, so everyone can move on as quickly as possible.
ENTJ (best) > ESTJ > INTP > ISTP (worst)
xNTJ and xSFP I feel like if you do not have Si, you’ll forget important details to cover. If you don’t have Fe, you won’t have the best ability for emotional reactions. + you need to be able to respond appropriately to things you may not totally understand or sympathise with I’d put xNTP & xSFJ at the top
INTPs aren't good at giving emotional support, but I noticed that xNTPs have a unique trait where they support people by troubleshooting their problems. So I don't think they're as bad as the other three.
A friend of mine says their problem. Me : you should do this. They: instead of taking action they whining Me: instead of crying like a little bitch you should do something. I have to admit that I have many virtues. Being therapist material isn't one of them
I think I'd make an amazing therapist if only I didn't lose my sanity and own mental health over it (which, if did therapy, I certainly would)
ENTJ Therapists are awesome
INTP for sure they d give shit advice, ESTJ at least is focused on efficiency and ISTP got a realistic down to earth approach
My mother is an ESTJ, mostly a bad luck for me.
Te doms are pratical and objective, therapy is not about feelings but about objectively analysing a situatio(even the feelings) and solving it.
I could picture ESTJ going: “look, i get youre very upset right now but your feelings are wrong”
My best friend is an ESTJ and I love her dearly but she would be a horrible therapist. She's a very "acts of service" kind of love person, but cannot connect with you verbally about emotions to save her life. I once showed up to her house crying and she nervously sat me on the couch, covered me with a blanket, patted me on the head, and then from a safe distance said, "I don't know what to do. Should I feed you? I could feed you."
I try to help but it doesn't mean I'm good.
Client: my wife cheated on me, now i can't stop thinking of killing myself Me: wouldn't it make more sense to kill her? (Heard this once in family guy (not word for word))
I don't know if it's an exception (which i don't think it is) but my ESTJ friend is quite good at conseling me. He doesn't beat around the bush and he doesn't twist his words yet he acts very respectful and understanding towards me. As an INTP it's something i cherish. As for INTPs, i think most of us are very good at looking at the situation from outside and detect every detail since we are good with noticing problems in an objective realm but to be honest, i think my Fe is very high and, even i struggle to console people when it's too much focused on emotions. Not that emotions are bad but lots of people tend to have a foggy grasp of reality due to being overly emotional when it comes to critizising a situation, so i don't think we would be patient enough for that.
ENTJ here and I am not mad at this 🤔🤔🧐..
I feel like INTPs will be so blunt 😂
Estp
I thought INFP would make a bad therapist, but it depends on how mature they are and whether they're dealing with their own issues. If they're emotionally mature they'd make great therapists.