Thank You for Swearing: The Power of Authenticity in Therapy

Hello! My name is Luke.

In addition to working as an RN Psychotherapist with Acceptance Nurse Psychotherapy, I also serve as a Registered Nurse in Nogojiwanong-Peterborough, supporting our city’s most vulnerable people — unhoused individuals, those struggling with addiction, and others facing incredible challenges.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to connect with so many incredible humans and to learn from all of my patients and clients.

Years ago, I swore during an interaction with a client. To my surprise, instead of being offended, the person smiled, took a deep breath, and said, “Thank you for swearing.”

We continued the appointment and connected more deeply than I had expected. At the end of our time together, I asked why they had thanked me for my swearing.

This was their response:

“It was very difficult for me to come here today, and when you swore, it made me feel comfortable. It showed me that you’re just another person, here to help in a real way.”

That brief slip — now a common part of my practice — removed a barrier, demystified our interaction, and built a stronger connection between us.

Authenticity in Practice

Over time, I’ve come to define authenticity in my practice as aligning the self I bring to therapy with the self I am in the world. This alignment has allowed me to share my thoughts and feelings in genuine and caring ways with the clients and communities I serve.

Authenticity builds foundational rapport between a therapist and a client. It creates a space where feelings, thoughts, and concerns are not only shared but truly heard and valued. In this shared and meaningful space, the potential for growth becomes limitless.

There’s also reciprocity in authenticity. It has helped me articulate my values and understand who I am at my core, which has increased my sense of self-worth. Being your authentic self feels good — but it requires knowing who that person is and how they operate in the world. That self-discovery takes time.

Walking with Ourselves

When we embrace authenticity, we find calm and grow more easily toward our goals. It’s like taking a deep, accepting breath of who you are and who you aspire to be.

In my therapeutic interactions, I strive to model vulnerability and authenticity, which creates a safe and welcoming space for clients to do the same. My role as an RN Psychotherapist is to bring my full self into every interaction, fostering comfort, connection, and an environment where growth can flourish.

Whether I’m working in a clinic, on the sidewalk, or over Zoom, my goal remains the same — to create spaces of trust and authenticity that empower clients to move toward who and where they want to be.

I want to connect authentically.

By Luke French