& Why You Should Do It Anyways!
Therapy is a term used to describe a few different scenarios. The word therapy can be used interchangeably with counseling, talk therapy, or psychotherapy. All of these names essentially refer to the same thing: speaking with a licensed therapist or counselor to work towards healing and learning the coping skills you need to manage your specific needs. Because every individual is unique, therapy is tailored to the individual and their specific goals, background, and level of comfortability. There have been many studies conducted that found that 75% of people that begin therapy benefit from it in some way. With such a high success rate, why are so many people hesitant to begin therapy? Learn a few of the reasons you may be avoiding therapy and how to take the leap!
1. I Don't Need Help
Many times when confronted with concerns or mental health struggles it is hard to accept that you may need some help to heal and grow. It is easy to get wrapped up in the cycle of being fine then being…not so fine. Some people feel as if they can handle their issues on their own and therefore don’t need therapy. If you have experienced feelings of anxiety or depression for an extended period of time it could begin to feel normal to you. Accepting these feelings as the “new normal” could cloud your judgment when deciding if it is time to seek help. If you don’t recognize a problem, it will be hard to seek out a solution. So what’s the fix? If you reframe the statement above it might make the decision to start therapy a lot easier.
You Deserve Help
Feeling like you do not need therapy and that you can deal with your concerns on your own is completely valid. However, it’s important to remember that while you may not need therapy you deserve therapy. Therapy allows you an outside perspective from someone with a wealth of knowledge on coping with and healing from many different mental health concerns. Giving yourself the opportunity to learn and grow with the help of a licensed professional is a form of self care. Therapy has proven to be helpful in many different circumstances and you deserve to heal in a secure space dedicated to your specific needs.
2. I've Tried Therapy, It Didn't Help
I’ve heard many stories about clients that have attended therapy only to realize they hated it. They didn’t feel as if they were benefiting from it, they felt judged or attacked, or just outright were uncomfortable with it. These concerns are valid and completely understandable. It can be discouraging going through the process of seeking out a therapist, completing intake forms, and then realizing that they just aren’t the right fit. This could lead to believing that therapy in general just isn’t the right fit for you. So why should you try again?
All Therapists Are Different
All therapists go through similar training and certification; however, each therapist is unique and has their own approach to counseling. These approaches can be tailored to fit the comfort level of each individual client. Just like friendships, jobs, and relationships, finding a therapist that is a good fit may take a few tries. While therapists strive to provide ethical and helpful care to their clients there are personalities that just don’t mesh well together. Don’t be discouraged! Keep searching! There is a therapist out there that you will be able to connect with and learn from. It may just take a bit longer than you hoped.
3. People Will Think I'm Crazy
Over the last few decades therapy has gained a negative stigma. Through negative portrayals of mental health issues in the media therapy has become somewhat of a dirty word. Individuals may not want anyone to know they’re in therapy in fear of stigmatized backlash. The negative stigma around mental health care and therapy can discourage someone from seeking the care they need.
Mental Health Care is Not a Bad Thing
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. If someone has a visible illness they are encouraged and expected to receive medical care, the expectations should be the same regarding mental illnesses. The stigma surrounding mental health care has improved over the years due to public realization that struggling with mental health issues is not something shameful. Rather than feeling ashamed of seeking therapy, you should feel proud to take the steps needed to take care of your mental health.
4. Therapy is a Luxury I Can't Afford
It is no secret that many individuals and families are financially struggling and are barely making ends meet. You may find yourself finding ways to cut costs and therapy can be costly and is often viewed as non essential. You may feel like you cannot justify the expense making beginning therapy an impossibility.
Make yourself a Priority
While each client's reasons for starting therapy may vary, they are all looking for some form of support. Mental health has been proven to be related to many aspects of our lives, including physical health. Your mental health should be a priority. Seeking help to improve your mental health could have a positive effect on many aspects of your life. Changing your thinking from “therapy is a luxury” to “therapy is a priority” is important when considering the financial cost. There are many low cost mental health care options, insurance reimbursements, and therapists that offer a sliding scale fee. These options can help you make therapy a possibility.
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