When and Why Should I See a Therapist?

Let’s face it, going to therapy still has a HUGE stigma, especially in some areas of our country. I’ve heard everything from “I am so embarrassed to come to therapy” to “people who go to therapy are crazy”. Let me set this record straight. No one is “crazy” for coming to therapy and there is nothing embarrassing, shameful, or weird about it.

I went into this profession to help others from everything from struggles with anxiety to understanding themselves better to learning how to address conflict with others to being a sounding board for those who need a safe space to vent. Therapists do not judge and we are so excited when you come in and can tell us how we can help you!

Here are just a few examples of when and why it might be helpful to seek help from a licensed therapist:

1. You notice symptoms of a mental health concern:

   1. These symptoms may be (but not limited to):

      1. Extreme sadness, worry, inability to sleep, changes in diet and appetite, intrusive thoughts, conflict with others, anger and frustration that feels unmanageable, and fear/panic

2. You have a big life adjustment or change which includes:

   1. Having a baby, going to college, getting a new job, getting married, or loss of a loved one

3. You want to understand yourself and your behaviors better and this may include:

   1. Exploring childhood memories and events

   2. Examining unhealthy coping skills

   3. Looking into difficult relationships

   4. Overall personal development and growth as it related to your professional career

4. You don’t feel you have anyone to discuss the “hard” things in life:

   1. Not everyone has a “safe” person to share difficult topics and can face judgement and emotionally-charged responses

5. You feel stressed all the time or burned out:

   1. After the last couple of years, who doesn’t feel this way?

   2. I see this especially in medical professionals (i.e. - doctors, nurses, medical assistants, paramedics), those who work in the legal field, those in a helping profession (i.e. - social workers, teachers, therapists, childcare workers), parents, and often students as well.

The biggest takeaway I wish to share is that you are not alone. It is ok (great as far as my opinion) to as for help and me (and other wonderful therapists!) can help you heal, grow, and have a safe place to explore hard things. Being human is hard and life tends to throw a lot of curve balls.

Therapy is not something that has a distinct time limit nor does it have to a “one time in your life thing”. I work with clients until we have met their treatment goals and they feel they are ready to end our time together. I also have clients that have come back when things get hard and they need a little extra support. All of that is completely ok!

Sometimes the hardest part is picking up the phone and reaching out to make that first appointment. I am happy to answer any questions during our first call and at our first session to make sure you feel comfortable and know what to expect. You also will never be rushed to work on any part of your treatment goals and we go at your pace! Remember, you don’t have to feel like you “need” therapy or wait until you feel you can’t make it through the day to get help.

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