When People Need Therapy But Come To You Instead, Do This

• Remember, you are a friend, a relative, etc. But, you are not a therapist in your relationships.

• Offer them resources to get started, such as books, contact information for therapists or support groups.

• Once you have given them the resources, set boundaries around how much and how often you will allow them to vent to you. 

• Let them know that you've assisted them in the ways that you believe to be most helpful.

• Encourage them to seek help by emphasizing that you are not equipped to help them appropriately.

• Circle back to asking about whether they followed through on the resources you suggested.