Do I Need Therapy?
This is a great question and one that many people will ask themselves at some point in their lives. If you’re wondering whether you need therapy, know this – you are NOT alone.
As a psychologist and psychotherapist my personal bias is that everyone can benefit from therapy. Therapy provides a space that is consistently available, just for you – to vent, to be heard, to process, to receive support, to be challenged, and to cultivate meaningful growth. That being said, I also understand that it’s not so simple. Therapy requires resources such as time and money in addition to facing uncomfortable and messy feelings we may not want to revisit.
So why go to therapy? Here’s what I think.
While personal growth and facing challenges will be a lifelong process, sometimes, the demands of life are greater than we can comfortably manage on our own. Denying yourself the supports you need can result in a worsening of your mood and have a negative impact on your relationships, work, and self-esteem.
It’s OK to ask for help. Yes, even for you. In fact, I firmly believe that knowing your limits and securing the support you need is not only a sign of strength but also, necessary for your mental health and your ability to show up for the ones you love.
Here are some signs that you may be struggling emotionally:
Your days have become increasingly occupied by negative self-talk (i.e., “I’ll never be good enough,” “No one likes me,” “I’m such a bad parent”) and negative feelings (i.e., sadness, worry, fear, irritability, anger).
You are finding it difficult to experience peace. Everything feels like a struggle, you are constantly on edge, and this has been going on more often and/or more intensely than usual for quite some time now.
You are feeling alone or disconnected from your passions and loved ones. Perhaps you are feeling meaningless and without purpose. Maybe you are noticing how difficult it has become to remain emotionally available to those you care about.
If you are feeling disconnected from your feelings and have no idea how you feel, here are some behaviors that may indicate emotional overwhelm: isolation, avoidance, procrastination, and increased conflicts with others.
How is therapy different from talking to friends and family?
Therapy provides support and so much more. It is not just about venting or complaining. It is not like talking to a friend. The purpose of therapy is to help you learn more about yourself and the patterns that are continuing to cause much of your current pain and discomfort. This increased understanding helps to inform what areas to work on in order to get you closer to your goals. A therapist will compassionately challenge you and hold you accountable. Making changes can sometimes feel uncomfortable and the inclination is to return to the status quo. A therapist has the expertise regarding which interventions and at what pace may be most productive for you. With the help of a therapist, you can work together to create meaningful change and get closer to a life that feels more purposeful, empowered, and aligned with your values.
You can attend therapy to see if it is right for you.
If you are still not sure about committing to therapy, tell your potential therapist. A good therapist will be receptive to this – if they are not, they are probably not a good fit. Together, you and your therapist can create a plan to help you figure out whether therapy, and how much therapy, is right for you.