My Therapist Looks Like Jan From The Office & It's Great

Okay, guys, let me tell you something that's been cracking me up and simultaneously making my therapy sessions a little surreal. So, I started seeing a new therapist recently, right? And from the moment she sat down, I couldn't shake this feeling that I knew her from somewhere. It took me a solid ten minutes of trying to focus on my anxieties to realize who she reminded me of: Jan Levinson from The Office. Yes, that Jan. Michael Scott's infamous, candle-obsessed, 'Dinner Party' Jan. I swear, the resemblance is uncanny. It's in the eyes, the slightly stern yet sophisticated demeanor, and even the way she occasionally tilts her head. Now, I know what you're thinking: isn't that distracting? Shouldn't I find a new therapist? And the answer is a resounding no.

Why Jan From The Office Makes My Therapy Better

Here's the thing: instead of being a hindrance, this whole Jan doppelganger situation has actually been surprisingly positive. I realize it sounds totally bonkers, but hear me out.

Firstly, it injects a much-needed dose of humor into what can often be pretty heavy sessions. Let's face it, therapy can be intense. You're digging into your deepest insecurities, confronting past traumas, and generally feeling vulnerable. Having a therapist who bears a striking resemblance to a character from one of my favorite comedies creates this weird, unexpected sense of levity. It's like, even when I'm talking about something super serious, there's this little voice in the back of my head going, "That's what she said!" (Okay, maybe not during the session, but definitely afterward). It's a coping mechanism, I guess, but it works.

Secondly, it makes her feel strangely familiar and approachable. I know this is irrational, but there's something comforting about seeing a face that reminds you of something familiar and enjoyable. The Office has been a comfort show for me for years. I’ve watched it countless times, and it always manages to lift my spirits. So, subconsciously, I think my brain associates Jan's face with feelings of comfort and happiness. This, in turn, makes me feel more relaxed and open during our sessions. It's like my brain is saying, "Hey, it's just Jan. You can tell her anything!" Even though, logically, I know she's a completely different person.

Thirdly, it's a constant reminder not to take myself too seriously. Jan Levinson is, let's be honest, a pretty flawed character. She's neurotic, controlling, and often makes questionable decisions. Seeing her face across from me reminds me that everyone has their quirks and imperfections, including me. It's a gentle nudge to be more forgiving of myself and to embrace my own weirdness. Plus, it's a good reminder that even when things feel chaotic and overwhelming, there's always room for a little bit of humor. Because, seriously, life is too short to be as stressed as Jan Levinson always was. I feel like my mental health is improving a lot.

The Hilarious Moments (So Far)

Of course, this whole situation has led to some pretty funny moments. I'm constantly fighting the urge to make The Office references during our sessions. So far, I've managed to restrain myself, but it's been close. I did accidentally call her "Jan" once, which was mortifying. She just laughed and said, "You're not the first." I'm also convinced that she's subtly leaning into the resemblance. She hasn't explicitly said anything, but I've noticed her wearing more black turtlenecks lately, and I swear I saw a Yankee Candle on her desk last week. Maybe I'm imagining things, but it's definitely adding to the amusement. I keep thinking about the episode where Jan starts her own candle company, "Serenity by Jan," and I can't help but smile. The thought of my therapist selling homemade candles on the side is just too funny.

I also had this one session where I was talking about a particularly stressful situation at work, and I could have sworn she gave me the exact same look that Jan gives Michael when he's being particularly clueless. It was this mix of exasperation, pity, and mild amusement. I almost burst out laughing. It was like I was in an episode of The Office, and she was playing her role perfectly. I know it's unprofessional to compare my therapist to a fictional character, but I can't help it. The resemblance is just too strong to ignore.

The Importance of Connection in Therapy

Ultimately, I think the reason this whole Jan situation works for me is that it highlights the importance of connection in therapy. Finding a therapist you genuinely connect with is crucial for the process to be effective. It's not just about finding someone who is qualified and experienced; it's about finding someone who you feel comfortable opening up to and who you trust to guide you on your journey. And sometimes, that connection can come in the most unexpected forms like a shared sense of humor or, in my case, a therapist who looks like a character from your favorite TV show.

My therapist may remind me of Jan Levinson, but she's also incredibly kind, insightful, and supportive. She challenges me to confront my issues, helps me develop coping mechanisms, and provides a safe space for me to be vulnerable. And, yes, she also makes me laugh. So, while the resemblance to Jan might be a quirky and amusing detail, it's ultimately just a small part of a much larger and more meaningful therapeutic relationship. I believe my relationship with my therapist is solid and can grow more as time passes.

Embracing the Unexpected

So, what's the moral of the story? Sometimes, the things that seem the most distracting or unconventional can actually turn out to be surprisingly beneficial. Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and it's important to be open to embracing the weirdness and finding humor in the everyday. And if that means finding a therapist who looks like Jan Levinson, then so be it. I'm not going to question it. I'm just going to enjoy the ride and maybe, just maybe, suggest that she starts selling candles on the side. I've been telling all my friends about this, and now they all want a therapist that looks like Jan. They know I'm being serious; I have been recommending them to my therapist. I told them they should prioritize their mental health.

So, to my therapist who may or may not be reading this: thank you for being you, Jan-esque qualities and all. You're helping me navigate the ups and downs of life, one The Office reference at a time (in my head, at least). And to anyone out there who's struggling to find the right therapist, don't give up. The perfect fit might be just around the corner, even if they happen to look like a character from your favorite TV show. It really improves my quality of life.

And who knows, maybe one day I'll finally work up the courage to ask her if she owns a Dundee Award. Stay tuned!