When most people are considering therapy, they often have different expectations. Some people base their idea of therapy on television shows and movies. Other people may have preconceived notions about lying on a couch and sharing their innermost thoughts and feelings from the get-go. This can lead people to question can a therapist even help me?
What Therapy Can Offer
Therapy provides a safe space to talk about your feelings, concerns, and other issues in your life. You do not have to be diagnosed with a mental health condition to go to therapy. Many people find having an outlet where they can confidently discuss whatever is on their mind is highly beneficial to their overall mental health and well-being.
Some of the many thing’s therapy offers include:
- Therapy helps you set goals: A therapist can help you set short-term and long-term goals that are realistic and achievable.
- Therapy helps you learn how to manage challenges: A therapist can help teach you different skills and techniques to manage any challenges you face without getting overly stressed or anxious.
- Therapy can help address unresolved trauma: Some people have past trauma they have not fully addressed, which can lead to issues in their current relationships and daily routines. Therapy can help people come to terms with their trauma in a safe environment.
- Therapy can help with all types of issues: Therapy isn’t just for people who have anxiety, depression, or some other mental health disorder. Therapy can be beneficial during a divorce, the unexpected loss of a loved one, significant life changes, stressful times at school or work, or as a life coach.
What Do Therapists Do?
Therapists help people solve problems and overcome different issues they are facing. They listen to people and use this information to analyze their current issues and help the person formulate a viable plan on how to address their issues and concerns.
Therapists help teach people different coping techniques and skills they can use to help guide them through different situations. They also help people identify and set short-term and long-term goals.
Additionally, they help people better manage their feelings and emotions. They work with them to show them how to take negative feelings and emotions and transform them into positive ones.
They can also diagnose and treat various mental health conditions. However, unlike psychiatrists, they cannot write prescriptions for medications. Instead, they rely solely on evidence-based and holistic modalities.
Common Therapy Methods
There are many different individual and group therapy methods therapists can use. These methods can and do vary from one person to the next. The ones used for a specific individual will depend on their unique needs and are tailored specifically to their situation and treatment goals. Some of the common therapy methods available are:
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
- DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Art Therapy
- Music Therapy
- Behavioral Therapy
- Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)
- Exposure Therapy
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
- Trauma Therapy
- TMS Therapy
- Somatic Therapy
Why Do I Need Therapy?
Why you might need therapy depends on what issues, concerns, or problems you are currently struggling with. Some people need therapy after the loss of a loved one to help them through the grieving process.
Some people see a therapist to help them feel less isolated and alone. They can learn how to develop socialization skills to develop new, meaningful friendships. Other people see therapists to address relationship issues or improve their communication skills.
Then, others can go to therapy to develop skills and tools to help manage their emotions. There are even people who go to therapy because they have problems sleeping, like sleeping too much or insomnia.
Furthermore, people can use therapy as a way to help create short-term and long-term professional and personal goals. Lastly, people in recovery from substance use disorders go to therapy to help them maintain their sobriety and avoid relapse.
Some common signs to look for that could indicate you need therapy include:
- You are experiencing excessive stress, anxiety, or worry over an issue
- You feel sad, depressed, and are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- You are having relationship problems
- Your current coping habits are no longer working or are unhealthy, like drinking or using drugs
- You feel embarrassed in social settings due to an issue
- You have noticed a decrease in your overall quality of life
- You no longer find pleasure in things you once did
- You are engaging in risky behaviors or making impulsive decisions without considering the consequences
Overcoming Barriers to Therapy
One of the biggest barriers to therapy is the stigma that surrounds it. Many people think that if someone is going to therapy, they must have a mental health disorder. Other people, especially men, believe if another man goes to therapy, they are weak. These stigmas can be overcome by educating yourself and others about therapy and its benefits.
The fear of the unknown is another barrier some people face. They have never been to therapy and have no idea what to expect and become scared because they feel like they have no control. To overcome this barrier, schedule an initial consultation with a therapist to discuss your fears and concerns and ask as many questions as you need.
Cultural or societal considerations are another common barrier some people face. To overcome this barrier, look for therapists who have a similar cultural background or a decent understanding of your culture. You can do the same for any societal concerns you have.
Another common barrier is financial concerns about the costs of therapy. Most health insurance plans include coverage for therapy. Many therapists also offer sliding scale fees or payment plans. Some people find it difficult to find therapists in their area. Thanks to telehealth, it is easy to find a qualified therapist online with teletherapy sessions.
“Therapy Doesn’t Work”
There are different reasons why some people say, “therapy doesn’t work,” such as:
- They had a negative therapy experience in the past
- They have misconceptions about therapy, how it works, and who it is for
- They expect immediate results and fixes to their problems and issues
However, conducting some research, reading the results of various studies, and looking for a therapist who provides comprehensive yet personalized care can help people who believe therapy doesn’t work.
In situations where the individual is already in therapy and says it is not working, then there are specific steps they should follow:
- Speak with the therapist and let them know you feel like therapy is not working
- Consider using different therapeutic modalities
- Look for small signs of improvement, as therapy is not a quick fix, and it takes time to see results
- Try making some lifestyle changes, like exercising more often, eating balanced meals, and getting sufficient rest
After trying these things, if you still feel like therapy isn’t working, look for a different therapist. Sometimes, a change in therapist can make a huge difference.
In Therapy, Don’t Hold Back
It is vital to remember therapists are not there to tell you what to do or how to resolve your issues. They are there to help guide you, teach you valuable skills and techniques, and how you can take charge of your situation to achieve your goals and manage your mental health and well-being.
Therefore, to ensure therapy is beneficial, you need to openly share your thoughts, emotions, feelings, and experiences that are of concern. You need to remember you are in a safe space, and no matter how embarrassing, painful, or difficult it can be to talk about them, it is crucial to do so for treatment to be effective.
However, you do not have to open up and unload everything all at once. Therapy is about gradual progress. So, you can talk about whatever you want until you are fully comfortable with your therapists. Then, as you build trust, you can open up more about more sensitive issues and concerns.
Real-Life Success Stories
When looking for a therapist, it is easy to find real-life success stories by doing a little research online. These stories often reflect the individual’s specific needs and reasons for going to therapy. However, the key takeaway is to help you realize therapy does work and answers the question, “Can a therapist even help me?”
Schedule an Initial Therapy Consultation in California or Arizona Today
At Montare Behavioral Health, we offer comprehensive and personalized therapy plans tailored to your specific needs. Our compassionate and caring team is with you every step of the way. Tell us what you need help with, schedule your appointment, and we will work with you to design your treatment plan. Contact us now to schedule your consultation at one of our California or Arizona locations.
Published: 12/12/2024
