How do you know when you are ready for therapy?
As a therapist, I see the way clients have benefited from therapy so naturally, I would recommend therapy for anyone and everyone, but let’s talk about how you really know when you’re ready.
You are ready for therapy when you find yourself talking to friends or family and you notice that they just don’t seem to be giving you the feedback you’re looking for. Maybe they unintentionally invalidate you by saying, “Your life seems amazing. What do you have to be depressed about?” Or they assure you that everything will be OK as a way to pacify you in the moment. Our friends and loved ones are a necessary part of our support system but their efforts to help may not feel like real help.
You are ready for therapy when you listen to a list of symptoms on social media and identify with them. Self-diagnosing or social media diagnosing is never encouraged but if you are identifying with those symptoms and find them distressing, it would be a good idea to meet with a professional. If you genuinely meet criteria for a mental health diagnosis then a therapist would be the best person to discuss this with.
You are ready for therapy if you are having distressing or high-risk thoughts. These thoughts can sound really scary when you share them with loved ones and they may automatically assume you need to go to a hospital. Mental health professionals can evaluate these distressing thoughts and determine what type of intervention is necessary. A hospital can be a great way to access a mental health professional right away, however, if there isn’t an immediate risk, then seeking a mental health professional for outpatient therapy is a great idea.
You are ready for therapy if you feel like you have no one to go to when sharing your emotions. Mental health has been stigmatized for a long time. This is also common in some cultures and with some older generations. It's often easier to show others your broken arm because they know that you need a doctor, but when you show them your difficult emotions, they may not give you the best response. If you feel like you have no one to turn to who will understand or at least empathize with you, then a mental health professional is the perfect person to talk to. Having a neutral person to empathize, validate, and support you through difficult emotions can make the world of difference.
Therapists are trained professionals who want to help. Our goal is to allow you space to share the ups and downs of life. We want to validate your experience and help you challenge any maladaptive thoughts or behaviors. Now is the right time to start therapy. Contact us here. If therapy doesn’t feel right for you, check out my self-guided online course to manage your anxiety here.