My therapist's clothes

Both of my therapists dressed in business causal, one of them generally more on the causal side. I don't think I would worry much if they did not, but I prefer a professional appearance from a therapist. I think it's similar to what the office looks like: their appearance is part of the environment that should make the client feel comfortable. And what it required to make us comfortable varies between people.

I might not particularly like if my therapist dressed too sloppy, but would put up with it if otherwise I was satisfied with them.

My T goes with business casual. She leans more towards business as the weather warms. She's also more business-y on top than on the bottom - I'm not positive she owns socks. She seemed unnerved when I showed up in running tights once and joggers a couple of times, I guess because in the year and a half of our work she's only seen me in jeans. I wish she'd wear more casual clothes. I think it would match the décor in her office and make her seem more authentic, it would help convince me that I can be myself and successful without bowing to the rules of comfort for others, which is an area where I struggle (people-pleasing), and it would seem more like who she seems in real life (frugal yogi hipster).

Therapists should be dressing at least one step above what their average client is wearing. So if many clients are coming in jeans and hoodies therapist should wear dark wash tailored jeans and a nice sweater *at least* ... if half of their clients are coming from work in a suit or professional dress the therapist would wear something similar but perhaps tone it down because business attire has an intimidating feel to it to more casual clients. I think this is why therapists stereotypically wear a lot of cardigans, scarves, and other nice yet comfy clothes. Your therapist sounds ridiculous with the ripped jeans. I might be more forgiving if she works with mostly kids and teens...but still!!!

My T dresses business casual--button down shirt and tie, and khakis with laced leather shoes. My previous T also dressed business casual, but she was also a professor and worked with students on their practicums.