Look, I get it. I remember thinking these thoughts when I went looking for my therapist a long time ago.
And since then, I’ve learned a lot both as a therapy client and also as a therapist about how to search more effectively, how to make it affordable, how to get the most of your therapy sessions, and much more. I’ve rolled my insights into today’s post – the 10 important things to know when considering therapy.
Whether you’re a longtime therapy client already seeing a therapist, whether you’re looking to start up therapy again and especially if you’re thinking about starting therapy for the first time, I hope this list of insights and tips feels helpful for you and encourages you to pursue therapy.
I may be biased, but I honestly think it’s one of the best investments you can make in yourself if you’re looking to see some sustainable, measurable change in your life.
So read on, and please tell me in the comments below about one thing you might add to this list based on your experiences in therapy! I can’t wait to hear from you.
1. The times, they are a changin’…
Once upon a time, going to therapy may have held some stigma (think Betty Draper in Mad Men… ugh.). But today, I’m personally and professionally delighted to be living in a time where, thanks to a multitude of celebs, athletes, royals, Millennial-driven media sources, and regular folks like you and me speaking out loudly and proudly about how important mental health is, going to therapy is becoming increasingly destigmatized and increasingly considered as normative as seeking out professional care for any other aspect of your life. In 2017, therapy’s more popular and more accepted than it ever has been. It’s a great time to be considering starting therapy!
2. Seeking out therapy doesn’t make you “weak.” It makes you smart.
Making the decision to seek out therapy isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a wise act of self-care to reach out for support from professionals when there’s a challenge you need help with. You’d reach out to a doctor for help setting your broken bone or to a lawyer if you needed help filing divorce paperwork, wouldn’t you? When it comes to your mental and emotional health it’s no different. Reaching out for professional support is an incredible act of self-care to address the challenges you’re facing.
3. Therapy is one of the best investments you can make in yourself.
Don’t get me wrong: therapy is a financial commitment. It’s a financial investment. And it’s an investment in yourself and your ability to become more aware of self-sabotaging patterns and more capable of practicing new, more effective thoughts and behaviors.
