You may think of mental health therapy as an intimidating process only for those with a serious mental health problem. But this myth is changing. Chances are good that you know someone in therapy. Someone you probably think “has it together.” In fact, a recent study found that 37 percent of Americans have seen a therapist in the last year. Here are eight reasons why you may want to join them.
AN OBJECTIVE EAR
When you talk to friends or family, they will likely have an opinion about what you should do. A personal stake. But a mental health therapist has no preconceived notions about you. They are completely objective. Talking freely without having to wade through different opinions helps you to find your own answers. After all, no one knows you better than yourself! Your therapist can also give an unbiased perspective and offer insight that you might not get from friends or family.
EXPRESS YOURSELF BETTER
Trying to communicate intense emotions is not always easy. Even people who don’t normally have trouble talking about their feelings can struggle at times. Therapy gives you the skills to translate strong emotions into effective communication.
IDENTIFY YOUR PATTERNS
It’s difficult to see your own patterns. But once they get to know you, a mental health therapist can help you identify your ways of thinking. Being in touch with your patterns and the way you view things helps you to “get out of your own way” and see things differently.
NAVIGATE BIG DECISIONS
For some, therapy is a long-term process. For others, it’s more of an “as-needed” relationship to work through a difficult situation. A caring therapist who is trained in managing emotions can help you get through the rough patches more easily.
TOLERATE DISTRESS
Dealing with uncomfortable feelings can make you want to run and hide. But avoiding emotions usually just makes them stronger. Mental health therapy can give you the skills to increase your tolerance for emotional discomfort which lets you get to your true thoughts and feelings. You can then resolve the underlying issue.
FROM GOOD TO BETTER
Therapy isn’t always about the negative. It can help you even when things are going well. Focusing on the positive gives you a kind of “wellness recipe” to use during times of distress. Therapy is also useful for smaller things. Learning how to handle the subtleties makes what’s good even better.
BUILD BETTER RELATIONSHIPS
If you have relationships that you’d like to improve, deepen, or change in some way, therapy is a great place to develop these skills. It helps you learn how to build trust, maintain appropriate transparency, and set healthy boundaries.
ALWAYS HAVE A TEAMMATE
No other relationship is like the one you have with your therapist. It’s based on someone being there for you without ever having to give back or take care of them in return. They are there for no other reason than to help. Always rooting for you. And since change is the only certainty in life, that’s comforting to know.
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