Edge of the Couch The Myth of Dressing Unprofessionally
Aug 25, 2021
They unpack what “professional” clothing really means for therapists and when to lean formal or relaxed. They share stories about practicum dress codes, identity shifts, and feeling like you must wear a therapist costume. They explore how race, gender, body size, and setting shape appearance rules. Practical tips include choosing comfortable, thoughtful pieces that support connection and reduce power imbalances.
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Hard Pants As Therapist Armor
- Jordan described arriving to his undergrad practicum in “hard pants” and a blouse as armor to appear professional despite feeling inexperienced.
- His supervisor immediately told him to dress down to be more relatable to community clients, prompting gradual changes to jeans and tees.
Told Unprofessional While Supervisor Was Casual
- Allison recalled receiving formal feedback on a practicum form that she dressed "unprofessionally" while working in a low-income community clinic.
- The supervisor wore casual clothes himself, highlighting inconsistent rules and power dynamics about dress.
Same Outfit Different Judgments
- Jordan and Allison note identical outfits are judged differently depending on race, gender, body size, and other identities.
- They highlight examples like Black hair, fatphobia, and large-breasted women being sexualized under the same clothing.