Do I Need a Therapist?

I hear this particular question a lot, but not from clients. This question is asked by friends, family, and even acquaintances when they find out what I do for a living. Most of the time the answer is a big resounding Y.E.S. I am clearly aware that I have some major biases to the subject, and I can guarantee that everyone at some point in their life could have benefitted from extra care and support. Everyone goes through stuff and everyone has a story or two to tell. You might be going through the tough stuff right now.

Here is the deal. You do not need to have a major mental illness to talk to a therapist. That is a myth and generates the stigma that only “crazy people” go to therapy. You do not need to be on the verge of a major break down to go to therapy. I mean, if that is what you are going through then, yeah you should probably reach out.

Let's break this down.

• If you want to be able to share your feelings with someone who is unbiased and has no other interest in your life other than helping you, then you might want to see a therapist.

• If you don’t feel heard in your life and you want  someone to “just get it”, then you might want to see a therapist.

• If you want to get past your past so you can either enjoy your current life or build a life free from old wounds, then you might want to see a therapist.

• If you want to stop letting worry, fear, anger, sorrow, guilt, grief, and shame take control of your life, then you might want to see a therapist.

• If you need an hour away from the kids so that you can focus on yourself and your needs, then you might want to see a therapist.

• If you want to finally start taking care of yourself but need help getting started, then you might want to see a therapist.

• If you are a therapist and you are struggling with things in your own life, then you might want to see a therapist.

• If all of your loved ones have suggested that you go talk to someone, then you might want to see a therapist.

The thing is we want to help you with any issue big or small. No matter how anxious you are or how much you have succeeded or struggled. What could hurt by having someone to share what is troubling you or by having an extra cheerleader in your corner? Life is hard enough and you don’t have to do it alone. Check out Psychology Today or Therapy Den. You can read therapists profiles and how they work. Do some research to find someone you think you would be able to open up to.