Therapy has become increasingly commonplace in recent years as mental health awareness has grown. Still, the decision to start therapy is a personal one without a one-size-fits-all answer.
This article explores signs that professional support could be beneficial, as well as the therapy options available.
Table of Contents
When Should I Consider Therapy?
There are many different types of therapy, but therapy often helps people work through challenges that feel overwhelming or unmanageable alone. Common reasons people start therapy include:
- Feeling sad, anxious, irritable, or emotionally “stuck” for weeks or more
- Struggling with traumatic events or significant life changes
- Having trouble meeting responsibilities at work, school, or home
- Experiencing repeated relationship conflicts or difficulties
- Engaging in risky, addictive, or self-destructive behaviors
- Managing chronic stress, anger, or low self-esteem
Therapy can be preventative medicine, helping strengthen coping skills before small issues become crises. Other times, therapy aids recovery after a major mental health episode or breakdown. Ultimately, if difficult emotions or behaviors persist despite your best solo efforts, a therapist’s outside perspective may help.
How Do I Choose a Type of Therapy?
There are different types of therapy available, each with unique approaches and goals. Common therapy types include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy helps identify harmful thought and behavior patterns and develop healthier ones.
- Dialectical behavior therapy teaches distress tolerance and emotion regulation skills. It often helps people with borderline personality disorder.
- Exposure therapy gradually exposes people to fears or trauma in a safe setting to overcome anxiety.
- Psychoanalysis surfaces unconscious thoughts, emotions, and motivations to better understand the self.
- Family systems therapy involves family members in sessions to improve communication and relationships.
- Group therapy connects people facing similar issues for mutual support and growth.
The best type of therapy depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. A licensed therapist can make recommendations after an initial consultation. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or request to try a different approach if the original one isn’t helping.
Finding the Right Therapist
It’s important to find a therapist you feel comfortable opening up to. When searching, consider gender, age, personality fit, and specialized training. Ask trusted friends and doctors for referrals, too. Therapy is a partnership, so interview potential therapists to make sure you click.
How Do I Start Therapy?
- Check with your insurance provider about mental health coverage and approved therapists. If uninsured, look for therapists who charge on a sliding scale based on income.
- Identify 2-3 potential therapists to interview briefly on the phone. Ask about their approaches, specialties, and payment policies. Make sure they have experience treating issues similar to yours.
- Schedule an initial session with your top choice. The first appointment will involve an assessment of your needs and a discussion of treatment goals. Be open about your reasons for seeking therapy and what you hope to gain.
- Give the therapeutic relationship an earnest try for a few months. Progress takes time and trial and error. If after several months you don’t feel comfortable or see improvements, consider a different provider.
The decision to start therapy is courageous and the first step in feeling better. With an open mind, honesty and consistency, it can lead to meaningful breakthroughs and change.
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