Why is it so hard to get good therapy?
With therapy, taking your own advice can be particularly intimidating. "It can be hard enough sharing your feelings with a girlfriend, so the thought of doing this with a stranger can be overwhelming," Hendrix says. The truth is, therapy can be uncomfortable, she says.
Why do people refuse to go to therapy?
People refuse therapy for many reasons, but I think the idea that it’s an insult to their own psychology somehow, is one. So, I remind myself today that I am far from perfect, I can always handle things better and I do not know everything – and getting help does not denote weakness, but strength.
How does going to therapy actually work?
Paying for therapy
- search online
- talk to a social worker
- ask at your local library
- ask at your local hospital or medical center
- ask your friends
Why you should see a therapist?
- Thinking about or coping with the issue takes up at least an hour each day
- The issue causes embarrassment or makes you want to avoid others
- The issue has caused your quality of life to decrease
- The issue has negatively affected school, work, or relationships
- You’ve made changes in your life or developed habits to cope with the issue
Why should you go to a therapist?
Therapy can help you manage life's varied challenges and live a more fulfilled life. It can help you understand what you're feeling, why and how to cope. Just like visiting your doctor for regular wellness exams, or your dentist for checkups, meeting with a therapist can help keep your mental health in order.
What are 3 benefits of therapy?
5 Long-Term Benefits of TherapyTherapy can help you learn life-long coping skills. ... Therapy can change how you interact with people in your life – in a good way. ... Therapy can make you feel happier. ... Through its link to happiness, therapy leads to more productivity. ... Therapy can help improve chronic stress.
What can I gain from therapy?
Potential Benefits of Counselingimproved communication and interpersonal skills.greater self-acceptance and self-esteem.ability to change self-defeating behaviors/habits.better expression and management of emotions, including anger.relief from depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions.More items...
What do you talk to a therapist about?
You can talk about whatever you want. True, some people come to therapy to address something specific, like anxiety or depression. But sometimes, people are just going through a life transition and want someone to talk with and help them cope with the change.
1. Struggling with your mental health
Despite being relatively obvious, one of the biggest reasons to go to therapy is struggling with your mental health. And remember, ‘struggling’ doesn’t mean that you need to wait until you hit rock bottom before seeking out mental health therapy.
2. A desire to understand yourself better
Mental health therapy can be a fantastic way to learn more about yourself. One of the reasons to go to therapy can very well be a desire to gain a deeper knowledge of who you are as a person, and why you do the things you do. A good therapist can guide you throughout your process of self-discovery at any age and at any point in life.
3. Processing past experiences
Most of us have experienced painful things in the past. Processing past trauma, or events that might not have been traumatic, but have still impacted you in some way, is a great reason to go to therapy.
5. Breaking dysfunctional patterns
One reason to go to therapy can be a desire to break or address dysfunctional patterns. If you’re wondering about things like “Should I go to therapy?” it might be worth reflecting on the patterns you’re able to spot in your life.
7. Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless
One of the reasons you might want to seek therapy is experiencing feelings of hopelessness or feeling overwhelmed more often than usual.
8. Everything is fine
Yes, you read it right! One of the reasons to go to therapy can be that everything is fine – and you want to keep it that way.
10. You wonder if therapy could help
If you’re wondering if you should go to therapy, you probably should. In fact, I think that the best answer to the question “Should I go to therapy?” is that if you’re thinking about it, it’s probably a good idea. If you opened this article to see if anything on this list applies to you, consider that your reason to go to therapy.
Why is there no access to affordable mental health care?
Lack of access to affordable mental health care This may be because some people are reluctant to reach out for help, either due to stigma surrounding therapy or because they don’t think their concern is “severe enough” to merit help. “There is no ‘depressed enough’’ when it comes to seeking help, Saltz says.
Is getting help smart?
“Getting help is probably the more brave, smart thing to do,” Saltz says. This is just as true whether you’re experiencing a big life event or just feel like you need a little help or someone to talk with.
Is therapy enhancing?
“Therapy is exceedingly enhancing,” Saltz says. “I’d say that often it would be best for people to seek therapy long before the crisis occurs in their life so they would be better equipped to manage the inevitable crisis or difficulty in their lives.”
Is it okay to start therapy for pets?
For many, pets are family members and the grief and loss experienced can be similar to the loss of any other loved one.”. It’s also OK to start therapy just because you think you need a little extra help, even if you’re not sure why. “Seeking therapy is a routine and preventive form of healthcare, like going to the dentist or ...
Can you reach out to a therapist?
Yes, people might be most inclined to reach out to a therapist when they’re in crisis or during stressful life events. But the definition of “stressful life event” is a little different for everyone. We all have unique triggers and life experiences.
Do you need professional support when someone brings it up?
Sometimes you may not think you need professional support until someone around you brings it up. Whether it’s a loved one like a spouse or friend, or it’s someone in your workplace like a boss suggesting you need to shift some behaviors, when those around you suggest therapy, that may be something you want to pay attention to. Of course, the choice to go is always your own, and you don’t have to do it simply because someone else brings it up, but those around you may be seeing things you can’t see and for this reason alone, it’s worth considering therapy.
Do you have to have a problem to work with a counselor?
You don’t have to have a huge problem to benefit from working with a counselor. Essentially, if you want to start therapy or think you could find value in this process, that is reason enough. And nothing should stand in your way!
Is therapy good for you?
Sure, certain circumstances might mean that therapy can be incredibly beneficial to you—say if you’re struggling with a mental illness like depression or anxiety, you’re in an unhappy relationship, or you’ve experienced a traumatic event —but therapy is designed to help any and all individuals live better. You don’t have to have a huge problem ...
4. You could use an unbiased, confidential person to talk to
People often say that talking to a therapist is the same as talking to a friend, but it isn’t. A therapist is unbiased and neutral, does not get exhausted or burdened by your coming to them, and is someone you can absolutely trust to keep what you say confidential.
5. You feel stuck
Many of the therapists interviewed pointed to therapy as a way to help when part of your life feels unfilled, stagnant, or stuck. Psychologist Alfiee M.
6. You seem to be repeating patterns in your life
This is a bit different than feeling stuck, as it relates to a specific behavior that you can't seem to quit.
7. You feel overwhelmed
Overwhelm is a big and broad sign that therapy could be helpful for you, says Barkholtz, because overwhelm itself can be caused by so many things—from relationships and external circumstances to your own emotions. When we feel overwhelmed, we often can't process and cope with things, whereas a therapist can help us do both, she says.
10. You experienced a trauma
Many of us have experienced tragedy beyond our control—especially recently—including death, accidents, assault, and bullying, among others. Trauma is something that can interfere with functioning in our interpersonal relationships, be triggered on an unexpected timeline (including years later), and even manifest itself physically.
12. You have a physical health condition
Far too often we separate the mind and body, viewing mental illness as entirely different from physical illness. It isn’t. “Injury and illness affect us in many ways—practical, emotional, and social,” Dr. McCabe explains.
13. You are living in a pandemic
Seriously, every single one of us can use emotional support right now. There really is no better time to prioritize self-improvement and stress reduction through therapy. As you can see from this list, you don't need a diagnosable disorder to see a therapist and benefit from that support.
Why do people seek therapy?
People seek therapy for a variety of reasons, from needing help to deal with a mental health condition to just needing someone to talk to. No matter the topic, there is no reason to be ashamed of seeking additional help and support. Therapy can offer a safe space for you to talk and just be yourself. If you think you might benefit ...
What is the best treatment for mental health?
People who feel they need more support or professional support can often find it through therapy. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a common treatment for a number of mental health conditions, but it can also help with day-to-day challenges and concerns.
What is the process of talking through a problem?
Psychotherapy is known by many names, such as talk therapy, counseling, or just plain therapy. Whatever it’s called, it’s the process of talking through a problem or concern in one’s life, and working with a trained professional to find new ways of thinking, feeling, or behaving toward that problem. Often this involves changing the way a person thinks or behaves, through a process of observation and journaling. Once understood, the behavior or thoughts can be gradually changed over time through a series of scientifically-sound therapeutic techniques.
Is therapy a safe space?
Therapy can offer a safe space for you to talk and just be yourself. If you think you might benefit from therapy, consider taking this brief, time-saving questionnaire to help determine whether you may need additional help and professional support for a concerning life issue.
How Do I Know If I Need Therapy?
There are many reasons people seek in-person or online therapy. It’s a great tool to help you learn how to sort through difficult times. While therapy isn’t a cure or a quick fix, the right format and techniques can help you improve your life and mental wellbeing. And when it comes to mental health, asking for help shows strength and courage.
11 Signs It May Be a Good Time to Seek Therapy
Knowing the answer to the question do I need counseling or therapy can be tricky. If you’re already feeling stressed, confused, conflicted, or unsure about yourself, you may also be questioning your ability to make decisions.
Ready For Therapy? Talk it Out With Talkspace
Still wondering Do I need counseling or therapy? The first step is finding out how severe your symptoms are so you know if it’s time to take the next step. The benefits of therapy can be empowering. It can allow you to work through negative thoughts and behaviors that are interfering with your life.
Is It Time to See A Therapist? Probably!
Why Therapy?
- Therapy can help improve symptoms of many mental health conditions. In therapy, people can learn to cope with symptoms that may not respond to treatment right away. Research shows the benefits of therapy last longer than medication alone. Medication can reduce some symptoms of mental health conditions, but therapy teaches people skills to address m...
How Common Are Mental Health Issues?
- Mental health issues are common. Recent statistics from the National Alliance on Mental Healthshow 1 out of every 5 American adults lives with a mental health condition, while 1 in 20 adults experience a serious mental health condition each year. 1 in 6 U.S. youth age 6-17 experience a mental health disorder. But only about 40% of people with mental health issues ge…
Do I “Need” Therapy?
- It may be difficult to watch a loved one deal with mental health challenges, but telling someone that they should go to therapy or that they need therapy can be stigmatizingor confrontational. Encouraging someone you care about to look into possible therapy options, even offering to review potential therapists with them, is generally a good way to show support. People who feel …
When Should I Consider Therapy?
- It may take some consideration before you decide you’re ready for therapy. You might want to wait and see if time, lifestyle changes, or the support of friends and family improves whatever you’re struggling with. The American Psychological Association suggests you consider a time to see a therapist when something causes distress and interferes with some part of life, particularl…
What If I’ve Already Tried Therapy and It Didn’T Work?
- Sometimes therapy doesn’t “work” right away. Even in an ideal therapy situation, it can take time for symptoms to improve. – months or years. Going to therapy and seeing no change may cause frustration. Perhaps you haven’t found the right therapist, so it’s worth it to continue your search for help. If you’re still experiencing any of the symptoms above, therapy should still be an option…
What Are The Benefits to Seeking Therapy?
- If you’re considering therapy, you may be thinking about the possible drawbacks. Cost might be a concern for you. You might also be aware that therapy is often difficult. Traumaor other painful events from the past can be frightening to remember and discuss with someone. Working through challenges isn’t easy, and therapy isn’t always a quick fix. Make sure that when you’re ready to s…