There are times when the sharing and understanding of a good friend is just what we need. However, when the degree of emotional pain and the severity of symptoms suggest a problem of greater depth, then your pain, anger or confusion may be too painful for a friend to listen without judgment. Even your best friend may want you to cheer up or to not go on and on about the same issue for too long. A therapist provides a safe, supportive, accepting, and non-critical environment in which you can explore your thoughts and feelings about any issue in your life.

Also a therapist can help you understand why you are having certain problems and how you can change it, whereas a friend would help you forget that you have a problem and provide temporary relief from your pain.