Why go to therapy?

One of the saddest things for me is when friends of mine need a therapist, but have had poor experiences and give up on the search completely. I have been helped by several different counselors in my life and I have seen the benefits with my own clients. It is an important service! I am a FIRM believer in seeking help outside of yourself. I do not believe we were meant to figure everything out on our own. And, sometimes 'figuring it out' is not even the point. Being heard, really heard, goes a long way. Most people underestimate the power of "being heard." Often, I hear..."What's the point? Talking to someone is not going to change the situation." Hercules! This argument pains me! Yes, it is true that talking to someone about a problem is not going to change the diffuclt external event that is happening. But, sharing with a really good listener can help you navigate your feelings and thoughts about it...which can completely change the trajectory of the circumstances.

Navigating life is hard! Mental illness or not! We are so far away from our instincts, and this, I believe, leads us into some pretty complex and confusing situations. The symptoms of these complexities are: depression, anxiety, OCD and other mental health "disorders." Why the quotes? I am that therapist that hesitates to diagnose. Some are disorders, but I believe most of us are ending up with these symptoms and they are "normal," albeit, unconfortable, given the circumstances of this world.

Some things I believe about finding a therapist:

1. Finding a GREAT therapist matters.

2. That being said...you can still benefit greatly from a "not so perfect for you" therapist. You are really in charge of what you get from people.

3. If you keep trying differnet people and no one is working, talk to a therapist about that!

   
   

   Good luck!