Hey there. I’m glad you’re here. I assume this means you’re considering starting therapy. But maybe you’re still on the fence and wondering… Why?

Why should you talk to a therapist who you’ve never met, who knows nothing about you, and even pay her or him in order to do so?

Therapy is not only for those who have a diagnosed mental illness but also for individuals seeking personal growth and self-improvement. You may have wondered if therapy is right for you. It's not uncommon to feel hesitant about seeking help; however, therapy can be a valuable resource for improving your mental and emotional well-being. It’s important to remember that acknowledging when you need help and taking steps toward improving your mental health is a sign of strength.

Some Ways Therapy Can Be Helpful:

*Therapy can help you better understand why you do things you do, and react and respond in ways you do.

*A therapist can help you see things in a new way. This can be helpful in making the changes you want to make or to become more accepting of yourself, others and circumstances in your life. If you feel like you have things to explore within you, but you don’t know where to begin, therapy can help you make these discoveries.

*The more someone talks about what is bothering them, the more they can become aware of what is making them feel anxious, sad, angry, frustrated, etc., with the guidance and support of a therapist. Underlying issues such as low self-worth and negative thinking patterns can be discovered and explored. Once you gain this awareness, you are more available to manage these feelings or alleviate them. By gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, you can develop more meaningful relationships, set achievable goals, and build a more fulfilling life.

*You can learn to practice coping tools and strategies to manage your symptoms.

*A therapist can challenge negative or self-defeating beliefs you may have, providing you with a more positive and constructive outlook.

*Therapy can help you improve your communication and conflict resolution skills, which can lead to better relationships with family, friends, coworkers, and partners. By learning how to communicate more effectively and set healthy boundaries, you can build stronger, healthier relationships.

*A therapist can help you define and work toward your goals.

*Therapy can help you feel empowered.

**You may find that physical/medical symptoms are eased through therapy. Working through problems with a therapist can often help with headaches, stomachaches, and other aches and pains caused or made worse by stressful events or internal thoughts. When we hold in emotions they can develop into physical symptoms.

*This is your opportunity to start fresh with someone. Tell your story, your way. And your story is safe in the confidentiality of therapy.

“Therapy is about understanding the self that you are. But part of getting to know yourself is to unknow yourself -to let go of the limiting stories you’ve told yourself about who you are so that you aren’t trapped by them, so you can live your life and not the story you’ve been telling yourself about your life.”

— Lori Gottlieb

Possible Reasons to Seek Therapy:

*Relationship issues - going through a breakup or divorce, determining whether or not to stay in a relationship. Therapy can assist individuals in improving their relationships, whether it's addressing conflicts, communication issues, infidelity, etc.

*Life transitions: Significant life changes like divorce, relocation, career change, retirement, or becoming a parent can cause stress and emotional upheaval. Therapy can provide support during these transitions and help individuals adapt and navigate the associated challenges.

*Grief: Loss of a loved one, a pet, a relationship, a job, or even the ability to do something you love due to decline in health or for financial reasons, for example, are all examples of situations that may be causing you to grieve. Therapy can be a great support during these difficult times.

*Emotional distress: When experiencing overwhelming emotions, such as sadness or anger, or feeling stuck in negative thought patterns, therapy can help individuals process their emotions, gain insight, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

*Stress management: Therapy can equip individuals with effective stress management techniques, such as relaxation exercises, time management skills, and boundary setting, to cope with stressors more effectively.

*Low self-esteem and self-worth: Therapy can assist individuals in building self-confidence, developing a positive self-image, and challenging negative self-beliefs.

*Support during difficult times: Sometimes, life throws unexpected challenges like illness, financial difficulties, or family problems. Therapy can provide a supportive and nonjudgmental environment to discuss concerns, explore options, and develop resilience.

*Self-exploration and personal growth: Therapy offers a safe space for self-reflection and self-discovery. It can help individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves, identify their values, clarify life goals, and work towards personal growth and fulfillment.

Therapy isn’t a quick fix. It is a financial investment as well as a time and energy commitment. The decision to seek therapy can be a daunting one, and finding the right therapist can be even more challenging. The relationship between you and your therapist has been found to be critical in ensuring a successful therapeutic outcome.

Some things to keep in mind when searching for a therapist:

Look into the therapist's qualifications, experience, and area of specialization. Be sure the therapist has at least a master’s degree and is licensed in a field of mental health or social work. Choosing a therapist who has experience in dealing with the issues you are facing can make a significant difference in the therapy's effectiveness.

*Types of therapy: couples, individual, family, group

*Areas of specialization: trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, life transitions, substance abuse, etc. *Look for a therapist who specializes in the area you’re needing the most support with.

*Consider the therapeutic approach used by the therapist to determine if it aligns with your goals and values.

*Common therapeutic approaches/styles: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Psychoanalytic Therapy, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy

*Take advantage of any free consultations that may be offered.

*Assess the therapist's personality and communication style. Do you feel a sense of comfort, allowing you to have open and honest communication within therapy?

*Take into consideration practical factors such as cost, availability, location, and Telehealth vs. in-person sessions. Cost can oftentimes feel prohibitive when seeking therapy. However, can you think of anything better to invest in than yourself and your well-being?

If you have tried therapy in the past and felt it did not help, you may need to try again - at a different time in your life, with different circumstances - or you may need to find a therapist that is a better fit for you. The therapeutic relationship is as important as any other relationship in your life. There needs to be a good fit for the relationship to be beneficial and feel right.

“Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary.”

— Fred Rogers