The "Warmly" Dilemma: Therapists' Email Sign-Offs

Hey there, fellow therapists and therapy enthusiasts! Let's talk about something that might seem trivial but has caused more existential crises in our profession (or perhaps just me) than you might imagine: the prolific sign-off, "Warmly."

Now, I know what you're thinking. "Isn't 'warmly' a perfectly harmless way to end an email?" Well, yes and no. Sure, it's friendly, it's inviting, it's... well, warm. But have you ever stopped to ponder the deeper meaning behind it? No? Well, you're in for a treat.

Picture this: You're typing away, crafting a thoughtful response to your client's latest existential crisis, and then it hits you. How do you end this masterpiece of empathy and understanding? Do you go with the classic "Best regards," or perhaps the slightly more informal "Take care"? No, no, no. You're a therapist, for Freud’s sake! You need something that truly captures the essence of your unconditional positive regard and boundless compassion. And thus, "Warmly" is born.

But here's where things get tricky. Does "Warmly" really convey warmth, or does it come off as slightly... well, awkward? Are you genuinely sending warmth through the interwebs, or are you just trying to convince yourself that you're not a robot programmed to dispense empathy on demand?

And let's not even get started on the endless variations: "Warm regards," "Warmest wishes," "With warmth," and my personal favorite, "Warmly yours." It's like a never-ending game of therapist-themed Mad Libs.

But fear not, dear colleagues, for I come bearing a solution. The next time you find yourself agonizing over how to end that email, take a deep breath and remember this: it's not about the sign-off; it's about the message and feeling behind it. Whether you choose to sign off with "Warmly," "Sincerely," or even "May your journey be filled with self-discovery and inner peace," what truly matters is the connection you're forging with your client.

So go forth, my fellow therapists, and sign off with confidence, knowing that no matter what words you choose, your warmth will shine through.

Warmly,

Brandon Gross, LMFT (aka Chief Dad Joke Making Therapist Extraordinaire)