How Therapy Made Me a Better Leader
Three years ago, I began therapy to improve some deeply personal relationships, particularly with my mother. What I didn’t anticipate was how profoundly this journey would transform my leadership style and professional life.
Therapy helped me confront long-held frustrations and emotional patterns that were unintentionally spilling over into my work, affecting my interactions and decision-making. This realization sparked a commitment to personal growth that has since reshaped how I lead my team.
In this article, I share how therapy cultivated my self-awareness, emotional regulation, and empathy—core elements that have made me a more authentic, resilient, and effective leader.
Self-Awareness: The Foundation of Change
Therapy first helped me develop a deep self-awareness by identifying my strengths, weaknesses, and emotional triggers. I came to understand how unresolved feelings from my personal life were influencing my professional behavior, sometimes causing me to react in ways that were misaligned with my values. Recognizing these patterns allowed me to pause and make more deliberate choices, rather than reacting impulsively.
For example, I became aware of moments when stress would cause me to communicate harshly or withdraw, which could undermine team morale. This insight empowered me to realign my actions with my core values of kindness and empathy, creating a more consistent and thoughtful leadership presence.
Regulating Emotions: Creating Stability and Trust
Building on self-awareness, therapy equipped me with tools to regulate my emotions effectively. I learned strategies to manage stress and respond calmly, even in high-pressure situations.
This emotional regulation has been critical in fostering a stable and trusting environment for my team. Rather than allowing frustration or anxiety to dictate my responses, I now approach challenges with composure and clarity.
For instance, when faced with unexpected setbacks, I model calm problem-solving, encouraging my team to stay focused and resilient. This shift has not only improved the workplace atmosphere but also enhanced our collective ability to navigate difficulties together.
Empathy: Deepening Connections Through Active Listening
Once I mastered emotional regulation, I was able to cultivate greater empathy by truly listening to my team members’ perspectives and needs. Therapy taught me to silence my inner biases and assumptions, allowing me to engage with others more openly and compassionately.
This active listening has transformed my relationships at work, fostering trust and collaboration.
For example, when a team member shared personal struggles affecting their performance, my empathetic response created a safe space for honest dialogue and support. By prioritizing empathy, I have helped build a more inclusive and motivated team culture where everyone feels heard and valued.
Great Outcomes: Leading with Authenticity and Resilience
The culmination of these therapeutic insights has been a more authentic and resilient leadership style. I have encouraged a culture of vulnerability and continuous growth by openly sharing my journey and personal goals with my team.
Therapy has also provided me with coping mechanisms to navigate setbacks without losing momentum. As a result, I have witnessed stronger connections within the team, increased openness in communication, and a shared commitment to our collective success.
Today, I lead with greater confidence and compassion, and I am proud to say that my relationships with my team have never been stronger.
Vulnerability Builds Better Leaders
Therapy has been a transformative force in both my personal life and leadership journey. Through developing self-awareness, mastering emotional regulation, and practicing empathy, I have become a more effective and compassionate leader. These experiences have taught me that vulnerability and seeking support are not signs of weakness but essential components of authentic leadership.
My ongoing commitment to personal growth continues to shape how I guide and inspire my team. I encourage other leaders to embrace their own journeys of self-discovery, recognizing that the path to professional excellence is deeply intertwined with personal development.
About the Author
Jeannette Davidson, DAADOM
Jeannette Davidson is the Office Manager at The Kidds Place Dentistry for Children in Spokane, Washington, and has been a member of AADOM since 2020. She received her FAADOM in 2022, her MAADOM in 2024, and her DAADOM in 2025.
She began her role in dentistry later in life after making a life-changing decision to leave a 30-year career in sales, marketing, and business consulting. (Her current employer was a former client). Jeannette discovered the best of both worlds could exist by combining her non-dental experience with leading a fun and passionate pediatric dentistry team.
