A lot of times I am asked the question, “Why should I go to therapy?” But the question I ask is “why not go to therapy?” Before I go any further into answering this question let’s define what psychotherapy (therapy) is. Psychotherapy, mostly referred to as therapy or counseling, is a variety of treatment techniques used by a licensed, trained mental health professional to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts and behaviors (National Institute of Mental Health). We all have experiences that are painful, overwhelming, disruptive and life changing. Having support through these times is something that is needed and sometimes the support that is needed goes beyond what family and friends can provide. We need a safe and neutral setting to talk with someone who can provide additional insight, understanding and education. This is some of what therapy offers.
When I asked the question why not therapy some of the reasons I’ve received are: “I’m not crazy and I don’t need it, therapy is for crazy people.” “The only people who go to therapy are those who are weak. We should be able to handle our problems on our own.” ” I can’t afford it or I don’t have time.” “What can they tell me that I don’t already know” or “all that talk about emotions is not going to change anything”. These are all valid concerns, but they don’t take into account the benefits of therapy. Therapy can be a great tool to help you gain insight into yourself, your relationships and how they affect your life. It is also a safe place where you can process and heal from life’s hardships and trauma without judgment. Therapy is a safe place for you to explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviors in order to manage them better. I often hear from my clients that they feel like they finally have someone who understands them and supports them in their journey towards healing. In addition to helping you gain insight, therapy can also help you make positive changes in your life. If you’re feeling stuck and don’t know what to do with your life, therapy can offer guidance in making decisions and be a great tool for learning new coping skills to manage stressors in your life. Clients have told me they feel more empowered after sessions because they now have a better understanding of themselves and how they interact with others. Therapy can help you feel calmer and more relaxed. It can also help you feel less stressed and anxious about situations in your life. Becoming more aware of your feelings and how they affect your behavior is a goal of talk therapy. This in turn allows for better decision-making when faced with difficult questions or challenges. Research from the American Psychology Association has shown the benefits of therapy last longer than medication and the skills and knowledge gained in therapy last even after the sessions have stopped.
For years there was a stigma around going to therapy but now more and more people are going and becoming advocates for it. Medical doctors are referring their patients to psychotherapy because they now know that what we think and how we feel emotionally plays a significant role in our physical well-being. I believe that it is worth it to overcome the myths and barriers that keep you from seeking support through therapy. So there again I pose the question: “Why not therapy?”
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