- Wonder why you may benefit from psychotherapy?
- Ever wonder if therapy could help you?
- Are you unsure if counseling is for you?
- Looking for answers before scheduling a therapy appointment?
People seek counseling for many reasons. Dealing with difficult emotions, relationships, life struggles, health conditions are just some of the concerns that bring individuals into therapy. You may not realize that when you engage in counseling, you will likely work on many areas to help you overcome and thrive.
Only about 40% of people who have mental health struggles actually get professional help. Unfortunately, untreated mental health issues often escalate and make your life very difficult. Just like a medical disorder, psychological issues may worsen and cause problems in daily functioning.
Working with a psychologist, you should receive multiple benefits from therapy. Whether you are engaged in in-person or online therapy, counseling can support you in many ways.
Is Therapy Really Necessary?
When you are struggling, seeking guidance from a trained professional will allow you to make the necessary changes to get better. Therapy offers a safe space where you can be gently supported while working through challenging issues. Certainly, self-help can work for some people. This may be an option if you can identify what’s bothering you and engage in effective and immediate behaviors.
What If I Am In Crisis?
For those dealing with crisis situations, such as having suicidal thoughts, you should find help right away and engage in therapy for long-term support. Call 911, go to your local emergency room, or contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Once you are out of immediate crisis, then you may want to find a local or virtual psychologist who can work with you going forward.
Why Should I Go to Therapy?
- To Gain Personal Insight Into Your Problems: In psychotherapy, you will be guided through an exploration of your problems withing a therapeutic space. Through this journey, you will gain insight into what’s bothering you and the triggers to your emotional distress.
- To Learn Helpful Coping Skills: Coping skills are helpful techniques that you can incorporate into your daily life to manage distress, anxiety, depression, and other disturbing behaviors, emotions and thoughts. Examples include deep breathing, grounding techniques, thought changing, behavior modification, mindfulness, relaxation strategies, and journaling.
- To Make Healthy Lifestyle Changes: Incorporating healthy lifestyle choices can improve your mind and body. Eating healthy and exercising are just some important ways to improve your wellness. When you take care of your brain, you will be better able to cope with mental health issues.
- To Improve Your Relationships: When you work on yourself, you will often find that your relationships improve. You may find that you fight less with your partner/family/friend/boss because you have improved insight, internal control, and self-awareness.
- For Self-Improvement and Self-Discovery: Therapy is a space where you can not only overcome what’s bothering you, but focus on setting future goals and identifying your values. Therapy should not only “fix” your problems but allow you to thrive and fulfill your goals.
