Why We Need
Therapy?
Why See A Therapist?
Going to therapy for the first time can make a lot of people nervous. That’s normal! If your therapist does something that makes you feel uncomfortable, it’s okay to speak up or just find another therapist. But try to stick with it for a few sessions before you give up altogether!
Through therapy, a mental health counselor can help you work through difficult feelings or stressors that may affect your day-to-day life. The approach is very collaborative and depends on your relationship and your therapist.
When choosing a therapist who is right for you, consider thinking about what your deal breakers are, qualities that are important, and any other characteristics you value.
One thing to keep in mind when seeking help from a therapist is that it may take several months and help from different therapists along the way. You should never feel obligated to stick with one therapist when you feel they are not the right fit or it is time to move forward with someone else.
All that matters is that you begin therapy when you’re ready and trust your intuition. How you approach your treatment is your choice. Let’s take a look at some possible reasons for seeking therapy.
You’ve been diagnosed with a mental health condition
If you’re diagnosed with a mental health condition, your mental health specialist may recommend therapy in conjunction with medication for your treatment plan.
Medication can lessen symptoms you may be experiencing, while therapy helps work through unhelpful or unwanted thoughts that may impact you. A therapist can help you identify such thoughts and offer ways to navigate them so that they don’t get in your way.
A diagnosis isn’t required to begin therapy. A therapist can support you during life’s transitions and offer solutions to help you recover.
You experience a significant life event
Sometimes life throws major life events our way that may impact our mental health. Such life events include:
- Death of a loved one
- Loss of a job
- Moved to a different country
- Feeling lonely
- Trauma
- Anxiety
- Addiction
- Attachment Issues
- Lack of sleep
- Dissociation
- Relationship Issues
- Going through a divorce
- Experiencing a traumatic life event
When we are down it is a powerful emotion that you may have difficulty navigating alone. Consider speaking with a therapist to identify and work through your grief and feeling of loss.
You feel like you need a little help
Life can be challenging at times, but you don’t have to go on this journey alone. Therapy can help you discover new ways to approach challenging situations that will support your well-being.
But, more than that, you can go to therapy to help understand yourself better or improve your ability to thrive. Consider speaking with a mental health professional if you need additional support to help you manage certain feelings and unhelpful thoughts.
Sometimes we can face the various problems of life alone or with help from our loved ones, but it may not always be effective.
If you feel specific issues in your life aren’t getting better despite your best efforts, that may be a sign that you could use help from therapy. A therapist can help analyze the problem and suggest a new approach you may haven’t thought of before.
Addiction – You are stuck and you feel there is no way out
What is addiction? Addiction is an inability to stop using a substance or engaging in a behavior even though it is causing psychological and physical harm. The term addiction does not only refer to dependence on substances such as heroin or cocaine.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) along with therapy is a well-known therapeutic technique that is widely used in the treatment of a number of mental health conditions including addiction. CBT is based on the principle that mental health problems arise and are often intensified as a result of dysfunctional thought patterns. Therefore, the aim of CBT with Therapy is to help you to tackle your problems by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable parts, and changing the way that you think, behave and respond to them. Each problem is addressed in turn and destructive, negative thought patterns are challenged in order to encourage you to view and evaluate your problems in healthier ways.
In addition, CBT deals with current problems as opposed to focusing upon issues from your past. This means that your thought processes and state of mind are constantly being improved and you are equipped with lifelong skills, enabling you to continue enhancing your levels of wellbeing.
You can’t concentrate
If you find it difficult to concentrate on everyday activities or work assignments, you may benefit from a therapist.
A mental health professional can assess this in therapy and offer a treatment plan that fits your needs. They may ask you various questions that can help them rule out the possibility of undiagnosed mental health conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or depression.
Consider discussing any symptoms you may have with a mental health professional.
Your actions are affecting those around you
Sometimes our actions or lifestyle choices may seem fine to us, but then we notice that they negatively impact the other people in our lives. Therapy can help you develop a healthy relationship with yourself and your loved ones.
If you notice that loved ones are affected, consider listening to how they may feel during this time and honestly discuss how this may be impacting you.
Allow space to have these conversations when you’re comfortable and open to engaging in healthy communication.
Consider speaking with a family therapist who can help you navigate these tough conversations with professional support.
What are the benefits of therapy?
Beginning therapy may help you cope with life’s challenges in healthier and more productive ways. Other benefits of therapy include:
- You will feel a relief of symptoms from your anxiety, worry, or depression.
- A counselor can help you in times of crisis while offering other services related to your issues.
- You can speak with someone who understands you and validates your feelings.
Next steps
It may take time for you to find a therapist who best aligns with your goals, but the benefits of therapy can help you cope with the unhelpful thoughts or feelings you may experience. A mental health professional or your primary care doctor can help you receive the help you desire. Many mental health therapists offer online sessions when seeing them in person is not possible. Consider online therapy if that’s a better fit for you. If you or someone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support. Help is always available.