Do I Need a Therapist?
Hey there! Gather ‘round because we are talking about therapy. More specifically, let’s talk about The Question. The question I am asked most often from potential new clients and even friends (because that’s what friends do when they know a psychologist) is: “Should I go to therapy?”
There are a few things to consider when making decisions about therapy. The short answer is that therapy can be a helpful resource to anybody at any time in life. It’s the one place where you can get personal time to talk to someone about yourself and your experiences and get feedback and support.
But there are things you need to consider when deciding to begin in therapy:
Is it interfering? Therapy doesn’t always have to be your first option but pay attention to how much your current emotional or mental health is interfering with your normal daily activities. Also, if those that you know and love are telling you that you don’t seem like yourself, it may be worth talking to a professional, even if just for a consultation to assess the severity of the situation.
Is it a good fit? You want to find a therapist that you feel safe and comfortable with. Don’t be shy about asking questions when you call or email therapists to ask about their experience working with other clients like you or that are experiencing your current symptoms.
Did I do my research? I don’t mean Googling your symptoms. That can be a rabbit hole that makes you more scared than motivated. But if you are feeling depressed, for example, it makes sense to go to a therapist that has experience with treating depression. How would you know? Go on the therapist’s website or public social media pages, and also if they have a profile on a directory, read it thoroughly before picking up (ok, unlocking) that phone to schedule.
Am I ready to invest in myself? Therapy is a time and financial commitment. The frequency that you attend will likely be determined based on your needs and the practices of your therapist, but it will require your consistency. Also, the cost varies for therapy depending on a number of factors. The clinician you find that is a good fit may not be covered by your insurance provider or maybe to a lesser extent. Depending on the severity of your situation, consider investing the money into therapy because the payoff is you feeling emotionally stronger, a priceless gift.
Your decision to got to therapy means that you are making a commitment to your emotional wellness. It doesn’t have to last forever or cost a fortune, but it can have a lifelong impact.
So when I am asked the “should I go to therapy” question, my answer is always “it depends.” The considerations I listed and how much you are able to address them will determine your decision.
What are your questions about therapy? Share them in the comments below so we can gather again to talk more about it here.
Share this information with your friends and family and check out the resources below if you want to start finding a therapist!
See you next time here at The Well Family Spot, where we get and stay well… together!
