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Updated: Aug. 17, 2021
My general practitioner had been telling me the same thing since 2017: to truly benefit from my prescriptions for anxiety and depression, I needed to pair them with talk therapy. Ugh. I wanted to stomp my feet like a toddler and resist going. Honestly, I’d rather do the dishes, fold all the laundry, or even binge-watch my daughter’s favorite YouTube videos than step foot in a therapist’s office.
For decades, I perfected the art of burying every uncomfortable emotion that came my way. Why change that now? Yes, I can be as resistant to change as your grandmother who meticulously saves wrapping paper from birthdays because she lived through tough times. I get it. I have a whole box at home filled with gift bags I reuse for every occasion.
Honestly, I know I’m not making a compelling case for therapy, but hear me out. I’m sharing my story because I genuinely understand every doubt you might have about seeking help. I had the same hesitations. I told myself my issues weren’t severe enough. I feared the embarrassment of spilling my secrets to a stranger. What if they thought I was being dramatic? What if they deemed me “crazy”? Deep down, I feared that even therapy wouldn’t be enough to fix me.
Understanding Therapy
There are countless types of therapy. Where do you even start? The first step is to clarify what you hope to achieve from therapy.
I vividly recall when my therapist, Dr. Sarah*, first posed this question. Wait, what? I’m the one seeking help; shouldn’t you fix me? It’s a rude awakening, but that’s not how it works. As therapist Jake Sutherland explains, therapy is for you, so you must define your own goals. Some individuals seek help to navigate their mental health challenges, while others want to manage their emotions or ensure they stay grounded. Ultimately, there’s no wrong reason to pursue therapy. I reluctantly decided to try it because my medication alone wasn’t enough. Just like you take a pain reliever for a headache, it may only provide temporary relief without addressing the underlying cause.
I hesitated because I was unsure of what to expect. I worried about whether I’d connect with my therapist. Just like any relationship, the first therapist you meet might not be the right match. As Jake mentioned, everyone has different comfort levels when it comes to building trust. Some people expect to click right away, while others are willing to give it a few sessions before deciding. Personally, I had a conversation with one other therapist before I found Dr. Sarah.
I remember my first meeting with her. The new year had just begun, and I finally decided to give therapy a shot. Due to the pandemic, my initial sessions were virtual. I was so anxious when we experienced technical difficulties that I threw my hands up in frustration, convinced it was a sign that therapy wasn’t for me. Yes, I know that’s a bit dramatic. Yet, somehow, the following week, I logged in to meet with her again. And you know what? It turned out to be beneficial.
Still Unsure?
While I believe therapy is as crucial as any physical health appointment, I’m not a medical professional, so what do I know? Here’s the thing: you don’t need to have gone through a major life crisis to seek therapy.
During my chat with Jake, he made a valuable point: “Therapy encourages you to pursue the life you’ve always desired. While it often deals with profound struggles, once you navigate through those issues, you’ll learn new skills, establish healthier boundaries, and improve your relationships, making it possible to truly live.”
So, there you have it, folks. A therapist who understands both sides of the couch. Ultimately, I’m not here to persuade you to seek therapy; I want to encourage you to do whatever it takes to live your best life. By sharing my journey, I hope to provide support. Know that your apprehensions about seeking help are completely normal, but don’t let that nagging voice in your head deter you. Everyone’s path will look different, but one truth remains: we all deserve happiness (not perfection) and nothing less.
*Dr. Sarah’s name has been changed to protect my privacy.
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Summary:
Therapy doesn’t have to be a daunting experience. Understanding your goals and finding the right therapist can make a significant difference in your mental health journey. It’s essential to recognize that seeking help, regardless of the reason, is a step toward living a fulfilling life. So, embrace the journey and remember that everyone deserves happiness.
Keyphrase: therapy benefits
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