Why Therapy?

You’re here. Now, what?

Several trusted people in your life suggested you get some professional counseling for the issues you shared with them. And you listened.

So, you did the research. You found out more about the type of treatment that might benefit you and searched for a highly trained and compatible therapist.

But the more you learned, the more you wanted to know.

As you educated yourself, you developed questions and concerns – maybe even doubts – about therapy. Why therapy? Do I really need it? Is it worth pursuing?

Maybe some of these potential hesitations will resonate with you.

You’re supposed to keep your problems to yourself.

In your family, you didn’t talk to strangers about your personal issues.

But here’s the thing: it’s a revolutionary idea and bold action to seek professional counseling service outside your family circle.

It’s a paradigm shift. It takes a lot of courage to decide to get external help – because you fear that your family may laugh at you or think less of you if they find out about it.

On the other hand, it is wise of you to seek different ways of addressing your issues, especially if your past efforts have repeatedly produced the same result.

Besides, professional counseling is confidential (with exceptions), safe, and objective. The training and experience of a professional counselor can help you discover perspectives, strengths, and clarity when you use the therapy time and space to sort through emotions and experience healing.

You already have a listening ear.

True – you may have amazing family and friends to talk to about your issues. And that’s great. It’s beautiful because we are relational beings, and we need to be there for each other.

However, there are downsides, sometimes:

Sometimes, your issues may be more than they can bear, and you don’t want to place an undue burden on the people you love most.

And sometimes, it backfires. Try as they might – they may not be able to keep things confidential.

And sometimes, they’re just too close to the situation – they may not be able to maintain impartiality, take things personally, or create triangulations.

Therefore, there is a time to seek a pro. And if they’re recommending it, it’s a good sign that it’s time to get extra help!

You’re not in a crisis – you can handle your issues by yourself.

It has been a notion to some people that professional counseling is only for people in crisis. And that’s true – professional counseling can help people in crisis stabilize and pass through the crisis stage.

However, everyone can benefit from professional counseling. It can help you no matter what kind of situation you encounter.

It can help you gain clarity, perspectives, and resolution to issues more efficiently and thoroughly.

Professional counseling is for the weak of heart.

I believe the opposite.

You demonstrate tremendous courage in seeking professional counseling services.

It’s very bold to admit that you’ve encountered challenges and ask for help.

Professional counseling is too expensive.

Professional counseling can potentially be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be cost-prohibitive!

Ideally, it is good to nurture a habit of putting money aside in a Health Savings Account. When you need to care for physical and mental health for yourself or your family, you know you have the resources to cover the cost. Many of my clients love this option.

Further, if you’re willing to work with counseling interns supervised by fully licensed clinicians, your cost will be much lower. They’re available in many counseling agencies and mental health centers.

Have you considered the financial cost of issues not helped by professional service? They can easily lead to missed work, lost jobs, divorce, and more. It’s still more cost-effective to address issues timely with a professional counselor than to let issues go through their natural course.

Many employers recognize this and provide employee assistance programs that can help you minimize costs, as well.

And don’t forget the opportunity of raise and promotion after you improve your self-confidence – and healthier ways to live out your passion and gifting at work and in relationships.

Professional counseling doesn’t work for you.

You may have tried very hard for your marriage relationship – but you seem to get the same old result with every professional counselor you’ve tried.

I admit it – no counselor is a great fit for every client’s need. But don’t lose hope! Some counselors can help you better than others for your particular goals.

Professional counseling works the best when you focus more on personal responsibility, healing, and changes, even in a couple or family counseling setting. It can be very disappointing if you set your goals to change another party in the relationship.

You don’t need a counselor – You’re taking medication for your issues.

Appropriate dosage and type of medications can be a real blessing for many issues. Professional counseling doesn’t dispute or discourage it at all.

On the other hand, a pill can’t replace what relational, holistic professional counseling services offer. Often, you can achieve equivalent physical and mental health and avoid the potential side effects of medication.

Additionally, you may not want to depend on medication for the rest of your life.

Fortunately, many successfully transition away from medication entirely after committed and careful work with counselors and psychiatrists.

You don’t need therapy – they do.

You may be right; however, if you value your relationship and know that it takes two to build it up, you may want to go to counseling together – to understand the root cause of your issues.

It may surprise you to know that you have a significant part to play, too.

You have had a bad counselor before. You don’t want to go through that again.

Ouch, that’s tough! I don’t blame you for not wanting to experience that again.

Finding the right counselor for yourself is like many other options in life. Sometimes, you learn what does work from experiencing what doesn’t.

At the end of the day, it may take some trial and error to find the best fit for you.

And consider this: you don’t want to put your health in jeopardy because of your past bad experiences. Talking to your new counselor about this experience during the intake session and making a mutual effort can help you and your new counselor avoid these issues.

Still not sure?

If you still have reservations about seeking professional counseling, give me a call or email me.

I’m always happy to talk to you about any remaining questions or concerns.