Therapy is for everybody!
Therapy is for everyone. And I say this as a psychologist who specializes in identifying pathological or dysfunctional behaviors and symptoms in people aka I diagnose mental health disorders.
While it's true that therapy can be a helpful resource for those who are experiencing a crisis, therapy can also be beneficial for those who are simply looking to improve their lives and live them more fully. Therapy is not reserved only for those struggling with severe mental health issues—it's available to everyone!
If you're feeling stressed out or anxious, therapy may help you learn coping skills that will allow you to feel less overwhelmed by everyday stressors.
If your relationships aren't going as well as they could be, therapy might offer some insight into why this is happening, how to fix it, and prevent future problems from arising again.
If you struggle with low self-esteem or negative thought patterns about yourself (called "cognitions"), working with a therapist may help change these cognitions and make room for more positive thoughts about yourself.
Most therapies are short-term, not lifelong.
The average length of therapy is 12-14 sessions for mild to moderate difficulties. While you can certainly work with a therapist for longer than that, if you've reached your therapy goals and feel able to handle the issues in your life on your own then it is time to graduate from therapy!
Together, you and your therapist will identify and discuss when you're ready to stop therapy. As your therapist, we can help guide this process because we see how far you've come, what still needs work, and whether or not your relationship with us still feels like the right fit for where you are right now.
It's okay if it takes you a while to find the right therapist.
Choosing a therapist can be a daunting task. It's important to remember that it's okay if you need to try a few therapists before finding the right one. The process of finding the right match will likely take time, as trust takes time to build with your therapist. Many places offer a free consultation so you can speak with a therapist before committing to working with them.
It might seem like an easy decision upfront, but often people have different experiences with different types of therapy and may need more than one type before feeling comfortable talking about what’s going on in their lives. If your first therapist doesn't "click" with you, don't feel bad about trying another! As therapists, we aren't offended if you feel that we aren't the best "fit" for you; we want you to be in therapy with someone you are comfortable working with. In addition, keep in mind that there are many different ways for people to heal from mental health issues—and that no two paths are exactly alike.
So, what's the takeaway? If you're struggling with an issue in your life, therapy can help you address it, even if it's not a mental illness. It's all about finding someone who makes you feel comfortable and safe enough to share what's going on in your life. And while there are many different types of therapy, most therapies follow similar principles: They allow people to talk through their problems so they can work through them together with someone trained in listening and understanding others' experiences without judgment.
If you are ready to learn more about the types of therapies and therapists we have available at Healing Spaces Psychological Services, please do not hesitate to schedule a FREE consultation by scheduling online, emailing info@healingspacesstl.com, or by calling (314) 472- 3091.