What is Therapy?
Therapy is scary, therapy is introspective, therapy is hard work, therapy requires dedication, therapy is time-consuming, therapy is honest, therapy is healing, therapy is worth it.
If you've never sat with a therapist you probably have a ton of preconceived notions about what to expect from a therapist and therapy. Some of them are probably exactly right and some of your thoughts are likely to be completely wrong. One of the biggest notions that people have about therapy is that it means"something is wrong with me". In our culture we use therapy as a reactive measure as opposed to a proactive measure. So while most people seek therapy when something is going wrong in their lives it does not at all mean that something is wrong with you. I believe that the way we view therapy needs to change. Therapy should be seen as a proactive measure as well. Similar to the way you should visit your primary care physician for an annual checkup. I believe that mental health should be addressed at regular intervals and be incorporated into a regular health regimine. We are not there yet but my hope is one day we will be.
The decision to consult a therapist is rarely an easy one. There are many considerations to make. You're probably asking yourself "Do I have the time?", "Do I have the money?", "Will this work?", "What does a therapist do?".
To some of you seeking therapy means admitting that things have gotten out of control or that you don't know the answer. To many of you allowing a stranger into your "business" is the most difficult step of all.
I want to confirm to you that all of your questions are valid. Therapy can be time consuming and expensive. Therapy means that you have to relinquish or at least alter your concept of control. Most of all therapy means allowing a stranger into your "business".
Therapy comes in various forms including individual therapy, couples therapy and group therapy.
The decision to speak with a therapist can be the most life-changing step that you'll ever make. Your time, money and effort will all be worth it as long as you allow yourself to be honest and vulnerable.