Ultimately, Everyone can benefit from therapy. Here are five reasons why:
#1. Therapy can help you keep your mind fit and healthy
There is a common misconception that therapy is only for people who are experiencing mental problems. When you look a little bit deeper, however, it is easy to see that that is not the case. Try comparing therapy to a gym membership. You wouldn’t expect the only people working out at a gym to be overweight. In fact, most people who go to the gym are in better shape than people who don’t. The same holds true for therapy. People who meet regularly with a therapist usually have better mental health than those who try to deal with their issues on their own. Attending therapy sessions can help you deal with problems in a way that is healthy and productive, allowing you to experience less stress and a greater sense of well-being. This, in turn, can benefit both your body and your mind.
#2. Even the most supportive group of friends and family members may not be enough
If you have a group of close friends or family members that you trust, you may be tempted to unload all of your problems on them. While talking to your loved ones is certainly an important part of coping, it shouldn’t be your only strategy. For one thing, your friends and family members most likely don’t have any type of training in the mental health field. As a result, they may not be able to give you the most sound advice. You wouldn’t ask your friend to set your broken leg or to perform surgery on you. Instead, you would go to the doctor. You should treat your mind the same way you would treat your body. Working with a doctor who specializes in mental health can help you get far better results than simply getting advice from your friends.
Another downside to relying on your friends or people in your family is that they often have a hard time staying objective. Because they care about you, they most likely will only see the issues you are dealing with from your point of view. They may also have their own reasons for wanting you to make a certain decision or act in a certain way. Therapists, on the other hand, are far more objective. They can help you see your situation clearly from all sides. They also don’t have any reason to lead you astray when providing you with advice. If you want honest, unbiased advice, your best bet is to make an appointment with a counselor rather than talking to someone that you are close to.
Another risk of turning to your friends and family members every time you have a problem is that you could wind up driving them away. Continually burdening the people that you care about with your problems can leave them feeling drained and exhausted. You may find that they don’t want to spend as much time with you as they used to. Instead of unloading your problems on them, why not talk to a therapist and get professional help?
#3. It is good to push yourself to do things that make you uncomfortable
An important part of growing as a person is continually pushing yourself to do things that fall beyond your current comfort level. For most people, the thought of sitting down with a counselor and talking about fears, insecurities, and other potentially embarrassing topics is no more appealing than the thought of getting a root canal.
However, if you can allow yourself to be vulnerable, you may be surprised by how much happier you feel. If you are interested in learning more about this effect, be sure to check out the Ted talk by Brene Brown where she talks about how powerful it can be to be vulnerable. Recently, Psychologytoday also publish an article about how the people who are the happiest are the ones who take risks. If you are hesitant about the idea of therapy, still consider pushing yourself to give it a try. By working to overcome your fears, you can increase your self-confidence and improve your self-image.
#4. It is extremely difficult to communicate effectively
Even as someone who has closely studied communication, I still wind up having trouble with it periodically. Good communication is far more difficult to achieve than you might think. When you work with a therapist, it gives you a chance to hone your communication skills.
This can help you become better at communicating with important people in your life. Whether you are talking to a friend, a family member, your spouse, your boss, or someone that works for you, knowing how to communicate effectively can make a real difference in the outcome of your conversations. Ultimately, counseling can teach you how to talk to other people in a way that is not only respectful to them but that also doesn’t require you to sacrifice your thoughts, feelings, and desires.
#5. You still haven’t gotten the results that you want
Are you the type of person that reads book after book from the self-help section, trying to figure out how to become a better person or how to overcome your problems? Are you dealing with emotional hurdles or problematic life patterns that seem to be keeping you stuck in the same place? Do you feel like you have tried everything and just can’t seem to find your way forward? If so, you are in the perfect position to try giving therapy a chance.
If you haven’t gotten good results from the things you have been doing, there is no point in continuing them suggest Clarity Clinic. Instead, it is time to take a different approach. If you want to change your thoughts, feelings, or habits, it is often beneficial to seek outside advice. Working with a therapist can give you a whole new perspective, putting you in a position of power where you can finally take control and steer your life in the direction you really want to take. Opening up about your feelings, talking about problems that you are facing, and figuring out what obstacles are keeping you stuck in your current patterns can help you live your life to the fullest.
