People go to therapy for various reasons, such as major life transitions or unhelpful thoughts. But it varies from person to person.
Through therapy, a mental health counselor can help you work through difficult feelings or stressors that may affect your day-to-day life. The approach is very collaborative and depends on your relationship and your therapist.
When choosing a therapist who is right for you, consider thinking about what your deal breakers are, qualities that are important, and any other characteristics you value.
One thing to keep in mind when seeking help from a therapist is that it may take several months and help from different therapists along the way. You should never feel obligated to stick with one therapist when you feel they are not the right fit or it is time to move forward with someone else.
All that matters is that you begin psychotherapy when you’re ready and trust your intuition. How you approach your treatment is your choice. Let’s take a look at some possible reasons for seeking therapy.
If you’re diagnosed with a mental health condition, your mental health specialist may recommend therapy in conjunction with medication for your treatment plan.
Medication can lessen symptoms you may be experiencing, while therapy helps work through unhelpful or unwanted thoughts that may impact you. A therapist can help you identify such thoughts and offer ways to navigate them so that they don’t get in your way.
A diagnosis isn’t required to begin therapy. A therapist can support you during life’s transitions and offer solutions to help you recover.
Sometimes life throws major life events our way that may impact our mental health. Such life events include:
- death of a loved one
- loss of a job
- going through a divorce
- experiencing a traumatic life event
Grief is a powerful emotion that you may have difficulty navigating alone. Consider speaking with a therapist to identify and work through your grief and feeling of loss.
Life can be challenging at times, but you don’t have to go on this journey alone. Therapy can help you discover new ways to approach challenging situations that will support your well-being.
But, more than that, you can go to therapy to help understand yourself better or improve your ability to thrive. Consider speaking with a mental health professional if you need additional support to help you manage certain feelings and unhelpful thoughts.
Sometimes we can face the various problems of life alone or with help from our loved ones, but it may not always be effective.
If you feel specific issues in your life aren’t getting better despite your best efforts, that may be a sign that you could use help from therapy. A therapist can help analyze the problem and suggest a new approach you may haven’t thought of before.
If you find it difficult to concentrate on everyday activities or work assignments, you may benefit from a therapist.
A mental health professional can assess this in therapy and offer a treatment plan that fits your needs. They may ask you various questions that can help them rule out the possibility of undiagnosed mental health conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or depression.
Consider discussing any symptoms you may have with a mental health professional to help you adopt healthy habits to improve your focus.
Sometimes our actions or lifestyle choices may seem fine to us, but then we notice that they negatively impact the other people in our lives. Therapy can help you develop a healthy relationship with yourself and your loved ones.
If you notice that loved ones are affected, consider listening to how they may feel during this time and honestly discuss how this may be impacting you. Allow space to have these conversations when you’re comfortable and open to engaging in healthy communication.
Consider speaking with a family therapist who can help you navigate these tough conversations with professional support.
Beginning therapy may help you cope with life’s challenges in healthier and more productive ways. Other benefits of therapy include:
- You will feel a relief of symptoms from your anxiety, worry, or depression.
- A counselor can help you in times of crisis while offering other services related to your issues.
- You can speak with someone who understands you and validates your feelings.
It may take time for you to find a therapist who best aligns with your goals, but the benefits of therapy can help you cope with the unhelpful thoughts or feelings you may experience. A mental health professional or your primary care doctor can help you receive the help you desire.
Many mental health therapists offer online sessions when seeing them in person is not possible. Consider online therapy if that’s a better fit for you. If you or someone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support. Help is always available.