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Can I go to therapy for no reason?
It’s also OK to start therapy just because you think you need a little extra help, even if you’re not sure why. “Seeking therapy is a routine and preventive form of healthcare, like going to the dentist or the doctor,” Marter says. “A therapist is like a personal trainer for your mind and your relationships.” No problem is too small to get the help you need. Think of therapy as a routine and preventative form of healthcare. If you are having trouble in your life, no matter how small the reason may seem, Get Help Now. Mental health is something you can manage before you find yourself in crisis. The process of therapy may cause you to experience uncomfortable or painful feelings, such as sadness, guilt, anxiety, anger, or frustration. Counseling may bring up painful memories. It might disrupt relationships. It’s easy to feel like you need to talk about “deep” or “serious” issues in therapy But remember, there’s no “correct” topic to discuss in therapy. You can talk about whatever you want. True, some people come to therapy to address something specific, like anxiety or depression. Therapy can last anywhere from one session to several months or even years. It all depends on what you want and need. Some people come to therapy with a very specific problem they need to solve and might find that one or two sessions is sufficient.
Should you go to therapy even if I feel fine?
Even if you feel “fine,” and don’t feel like your current concerns warrant intervention, it’s important to know that therapy is practiced on a spectrum and even the lowest level of intervention can positively impact every single person, whether or not a diagnosable disorder is present. You also know therapy is working if you’re using the skills you learned in session, outside of session. For example, are you better able to set boundaries with others, prioritize your own needs and demands, and effectively deal with situations without spiraling into a panic attack? These are great signs of progress. Ask your therapist what progress might look like. When you first start seeing a new therapist, talk to them about how you’ll know if you’re making progress (both in and outside of your sessions). Then make sure that you check in with your therapist from time to time, licensed clinical psychologist Stephanie Smith, Psy. The stigma that only unhappy people seek therapy simply isn’t true. There are over 59 million Americans who turn to therapy to help improve their mental health and to learn healthy habits that will serve them for the rest of their lives! The therapist will ask questions about your presenting concerns, as well as your history and background. Most likely, you’ll find yourself talking about your current symptoms or struggles, as well saying a bit about your relationships, your interests, your strengths, and your goals.
Is it okay to go to therapy without a mental illness?
From time to time, you may wonder if it would be okay to make an appointment to see a therapist, not because you’re having a major crisis but just because you need someone to talk to. Psychotherapy can be very helpful even if you don’t have mental illness and aren’t dealing with major losses or problems. What can I tell my therapist? The short answer is that you can tell your therapist anything – and they hope that you do. It’s a good idea to share as much as possible, because that’s the only way they can help you. They see their job as helping you find your own answers, and they know that silence can help you do that. Sitting in silence allows a lot of things to rise up inside you—thoughts, feelings, and memories you might not normally experience. And that is what your therapist is hoping you’ll talk about. Don’t Tell Lies Or Half-Truths That can make it feel even harder when speaking with a mental health professional you’ve just met. If your therapist asks about something that’s difficult for you to discuss, you may resist telling the truth or fail to offer up the details of the situation. There are a few things that might contribute to this: you may not have developed the level of trust you need to feel safe with the therapist you are working with, you may be fearful of being judged by the therapist, or maybe you are afraid that opening the pain of the past might be too much to handle. Keep in mind that therapy is a safe space that should be kept void of judgment. Consider sharing with your therapist that you’re hesitant to share everything, even if you’re not ready to share the details you’ve been omitting. Your therapist may provide you with some skills that can help you open up more.
Is going to therapy awkward?
Starting therapy can be especially awkward if you’ve not been in therapy before. If you feel weird at first when you’re talking to your therapist, don’t worry. It takes a while to get used to therapy, but you’ll eventually get the hang of it. Other things to avoid during a therapy session include: asking about other confidential conversations with other clients; showcasing violent emotions; or implying any romantic or sexual interest in your therapist. The number one job of a therapist is to keep you safe and protect their clients’ privacy. After you unpack your feelings, your therapist might provide you with some insight in response or help you deconstruct and synthesize what you just shared. They also might give you a task or something to think about if they think it’s important for your process. Yes sometimes people do that. It’s probably a good idea to talk with your psychologist about what you want from the session – you could say you just want to talk. Some therapists will welcome this, some specialise more in behaviour modification and advice. Talk to Your Doctor If therapy’s not working, it’s time to consider taking medication. But medication is not the only thing your doctor can help you with. Health problems can interfere with your progress, and some physical health problems masquerade as mental health problems. Yes, it is OK to pause your therapy sessions, although the length of time may depend on why you’re attending in the first place. There are many reasons to seek therapy. Some include the treatment and management of symptoms of conditions such as anxiety, depression, or grief from the death of a loved one.
How do you know if therapy is right for you?
It might be time to seek out therapy if you’re feeling overwhelmed and/or you can’t talk to your loved ones about what’s going on. If the people around you are concerned or you can’t focus on anything but the problems weighing you down, those are also signs that it might be time to talk to a therapist. You can say something like: “There is something I’m struggling to move past. I know I need to face it to move forward, but I’m afraid to talk about it. I think I’m afraid I will be judged, or that you will think I’m overreacting.” The process of therapy may cause you to experience uncomfortable or painful feelings, such as sadness, guilt, anxiety, anger, or frustration. Counseling may bring up painful memories. It might disrupt relationships. Your therapist’s relationship with you exists between sessions, even if you don’t communicate with each other. She thinks of your conversations, as well, continuing to reflect on key moments as the week unfolds. She may even reconsider an opinion she had or an intervention she made during a session. Yes. We care. If you feel genuinely cared for by your therapist, it’s real. It’s too hard to fake that.