There are many benefits of therapy, which vary for everyone. Below is a list of reasons why therapy can benefit you.
Being heard!
Do you ever feel like your family or friends are not listening to you? Therapy can provide an environment where you can be heard as well as communicate anything no matter how simple or serious. One main purpose in treatment is identifying feelings and thoughts that might be difficult to discuss. Most people report feeling better after just 1 to 2 sessions. So why can’t that be you?
Decreasing undesirable feelings and behaviors.
Exploring therapeutic techniques within treatment may be helpful. For instance, using cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) will allow you to learn how to problem solve and change patterns in your thinking and/or behavior to increase a better quality of life. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) can help you learn how to use breathing and calming exercises to decrease negative thinking patterns. These are just two examples of therapeutic techniques that can be used within treatment.
Being able to share your most embarrassing/scary/vulnerable experiences without judgment.
If you feel that there is no one in your life that understands you than therapy can provide a safe place to discuss the issues you may be struggling with. Being vulnerable is not easy but with some help it can be something that can change your entire perspective. The Power of Vulnerability by Brene Brown is a great video that discusses the strength and importance of being vulnerable. Check it out at AsKristina!
Improving on communication skills.
Communication is the one thing that can bring us closer together or make us feel completely alone. In therapy you can learn healthy ways to communicate with the people in your life. Communication is something that will never go away. Why wait any longer to improve the quality of your life?
Therapy can help you avoid running away from your problems.
How many of us are uncomfortable with stressful situations? In treatment you will be able to focus on the issues/problems that are difficult to address. Stress can arise at home, workplace, family gatherings, school, doctor visits, in relationships; the list is endless. Instead of avoiding your problems you can address them head on before they get worse. The more you avoid the more stressful things may become!
Family and couples therapy is available.
If you are struggling with interpersonal and/or intimate relationships than family or couples therapy is available. Family and couples therapy is a possibility when you feel ready to address the issues within your relationships. It opens a new avenue with your partner or someone important in your life to discuss the issues that you may be avoiding. Relationships can be hard but you do not have to make them!
Therapy does not have to be forever.
Once you build a therapeutic relationship with your therapist it does not mean you have to see them forever. When you learn the new skills and implement them into your everyday life you can decrease the frequency of your sessions or stop at any point. The great part is that you can always return if things become overwhelming or difficult to manage again. You can look at therapy as a source of maintenance for yourself and returning does not mean you have to start all over. Think of it as a tune up for your mind, body, and soul!
You know you’re not alone.
Seeking a licensed professional can eliminate feelings of loneliness rather quickly. Loneliness can increase the likelihood of isolation and shutting down. Therapy can provide that safe haven where you do not have to feel alone and your negative feelings will not be ignored. You have nothing to be scared about because you are not ALONE!
You will be able to educate your own family, friends, and the next generation.
Therapy will teach you many different ways to cope and manage your own emotions/behaviors. With this new knowledge you will be able to educate your family, friends, and even your own children. Life can be difficult but it can also be beautiful. Never stop growing and learning!
Help is ALWAYS available.
Sometimes therapy is not enough, but that does not mean things cannot get better. There are other resources such as support groups, therapeutic programs, medication monitoring, and hotlines available. There is nothing wrong with asking for help. Please do not deprive yourself of the support and help that you need because you are worth it!
There are many great benefits for seeking therapy for yourself. I hope that these 10 benefits have provided you with some insight as well as opened your mind into seeking treatment when necessary. Enjoy!
“The ultimate goal of therapy… it’s too hard a question. The words come to me like tranquility, like fulfillment, like realizing your potential.”
-Irvin D. Yalom