There’s a quote (author unknown) that says “Every person should see a therapist; the smart ones do”.
I’ve been wanting to share this post for quite some time (I’ve even mentioned it a few times on my instagram stories) but haven’t, until now, found all the words to encompass everything I wanted this post to say. I was over thinking it (as I am known to do – hey look, a reason why I see a therapist!) but I realized that I didn’t need to. What it comes down to is that I want to be open with the fact that I see a therapist in order to reduce the stigma in talking about therapy and explain why really everyone should go. 😊
I talked a bit about therapy in my post last year on Why We Need to Talk About High-Functioning Depression but with this post I wanted to talk more specifically about why therapy is beneficial to everyone, ie. why you should go to therapy.
You should go to therapy because: You can learn new strategies
You should go to therapy because: Your problems & challenges get heard
You should go to therapy because: You deserve it
I know that the barriers to therapy can be more than just the stigma. For some it may be financial, for others geographic. Whatever the barriers you face, there are ways around them. There are over-the-phone and online therapists for those who may not be able to get to one. For someone with financial concerns, therapy may be covered by your health care plan, there may be free therapy at a nearby college with therapists-in-training, or there may be payment plans or other options that would work for you.
We live in a world where people feel pressured to present perfection, and that can mean not reaching out for valuable resources like therapy. It can also mean not opening up to loved ones about therapy. When I started telling people this year that I went to therapy (I’m a very open person in case you can’t tell) I was floored by how many of friends said that they did too! Many said it sheepishly, many said it with a sigh of relief that they were telling someone. These are men & women who are ‘perfect’ in my eyes, and hearing that they are in therapy really solidified my belief that therapy is for everyone.
I encourage all of you to just go and see a therapist. You may need to try a few out before you find the perfect fit, but trust me it is so worth it.
I would be shocked if anyone hadn’t seen a therapist at some point in his/her life! It is something we all need.
XOXO
Cathy
I totally agree (clearly haha), but ya so many people don’t want to go!! It’s crazy how many people are trapped in the old mindset that “they’re too strong for therapy”.
I think therapy is something we could all use in our lives! I am due for a session and I can feel it!!
Right! And good for you for recognizing that. You should definitely go, you deserve to make time to take care of yourself <3
Therapy is so important. It should not be a taboo anymore because it is so empowering!
Exactly!!
It can truly help anyone that is going through anything. It’s comforting to have someone that wants to help you go through what you’re going through.
Well said!!
I know that I need to be seeing a therapist, but for me, the financial burden breeds resentment in my eyes and I always stop seeing them before I actually feel any benefit. It would be nice if we had a better health care system where out of pocket costs were more reasonable!
https://www.iamchiconthecheap.com/
I totally get that. Cost can definitely be prohibitive in a lot of circumstances. You should definitely look into whether your local university has a program for student trainees. Many do, and that would allow you to receive the benefits without feeling the stress about getting your money’s worth.
Is a sister or girlfriend considered a therapist?? I seriously turn to them for so much therapeutic release and direction I may need in my life. I totally agree though!
I think it’s really important to have a professional therapist AND a sister/girlfriend you can talk to. The two are both beneficial in different ways! I definitely turn to my best friend Maddie for ‘therapy’ all the time, but I think its important to have an outsider as well who isn’t familiar with the parties involved in whatever issue you may be discussing and who has training and expertise in helping you work through the problem.
Love this so much! I go to therapy and it’s life changing.
It really is! I’m still slowly learning the benefits
This is so true. I have never gone to therapy and the truth is it shouldn’t be a taboo. Being emotionally healthy is as important as being physically healthy.
XO
Candace
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
Exactly! emotional health is so important, not just for you but for your friends and family around you. Simply being aware of why you respond a certain way to certain things can make such a difference in your relationships.
Therapy is such a reward! I’ve changed my mindset on it because there’s no shame or guilt with having a safe place to express your feelings, concerns and frustrations. Thank you for sharing babe 🙂
-xo, Azanique | https://www.lotsofsass.com
I love the idea of looking at it as a reward instead of a chore!! We are all lucky enough to be able to learn more about ourselves and how we interact with the world.
I went to therapy a few years back and love it. It was so refreshing to be able to talk and get an unbiased perspective on everything from work, to family to fiends. 🙂
Xx, Nailil
http://thirtyminusone.com
My thoughts exactly!!
love this post! I went to therapy several years ago to help get over a long-term relationship and it was the best thing I ever did!
Thank you so much. And right?! It can be SO helpful!!
I’ve honestly never been to a good therapist. The last one was downright damaging. Not every therapist is a decent human being, unfortunately.
Ugh I am so sorry to hear that, that’s awful. Everyone deserves to have someone good to help them. I hope you can find someone who is good for you.
This is my favorite post of yours. Therapy should definitely not be looked down on! Going to a therapist is one of the best choices I ever made.
Exactly! It’s such a positive thing that everyone should do. <3