It’s no secret that people tend to fear or dismiss the idea of therapy – whether it’s unknowns related to cost, the discomforting prospect of trying something new, or even doubts about whether it will work or whom it’s suited for.
So why do people choose to go to therapy? For many, it boils down to a simple question: What’s the alternative? For many, therapy is an essential step on the road to improvement, recovery, and, well, so many other things.
The following ten reasons why people go to therapy are here to help assuage your doubts and, more importantly, show you that you’re not as alone as you might think.
- To boost self-esteem and confidence
A therapist can provide unbiased feedback and help individuals develop a more realistic view of themselves. They can help you learn how to love and accept yourself, set boundaries, and cultivate healthy relationships. In addition, therapists provide a safe space to explore emotions and experiences contributing to low self-esteem and teach tools to overcome them.
- To have a safe space to talk
A therapist’s office is where you can feel free to say anything without fear of judgment or criticism. This is an important first step in finding solutions to your problems and a valuable relief from the pressure of everyday life, where we often feel like we have to wear a brave face and act like everything is fine.
- To work through relationship issues
In therapy, couples or individuals can explore the underlying causes of these problems and develop new strategies for dealing with everything from communication hurdles to trust problems, unresolved issues, and disagreements.
- To gain self-awareness and clarity
Through therapy, you can identify any negative thought patterns or behaviors that may be holding you back, and you’ll gain insight into why you think and feel the way you do. With this new understanding, you can make positive changes and start moving forward with self-assuredness and clarity.
- To process trauma
A therapist can provide a supportive environment where you can begin healing. Through therapy, people can learn to cope with trauma, process their feelings, understand their triggers, and develop healthy coping mechanisms to begin moving forward.
- To break patterns and habits
People often seek therapy to help them break patterns and habits that no longer serve them. Some of these patterns may be harmful, such as those that involve substance abuse or self-harm. Others may be ineffective or counterproductive, such as those that involve negative thinking or self-sabotage. No matter the specific pattern, therapy can provide the tools and guidance needed to make lasting change.
- To heal from and cope with grief
The grieving process is often painful and can seem never-ending. Therapy can help people develop coping mechanisms for dealing with grief as they learn to express their emotions, develop a support system, and gain new perspectives on their situation.
- To process your emotions
Many people struggle to effectively process their emotions, which can lead to anything from cycles of negative emotions to feelings of being “stuck” or unable to move forward in life. Therapy plays a key role in emotional processing, from identifying the root causes of emotions to understanding, accepting, and developing coping mechanisms for them.
- To learn coping skills
Therapy can provide an invaluable opportunity to learn how to cope with life’s stressors and challenges healthily and effectively. Therapists can help us to understand our triggers and how to manage our reactions, identify our strengths and weaknesses, and develop healthy coping skills we can use for the rest of our lives.
- To find happiness
More and more people are beginning to realize that there are many reasons people go to therapy. Therapy is not just reserved for those with mental health issues – it’s for everyone.
It’s time for us to let go of our preconceived notions about therapy and at least open ourselves up to the possibility of a healthier, happier life because therapy gives us that chance.
After all, life can be difficult, and it’s easy to get bogged down by negative events. And of the most common reasons people go is that they feel like they are stuck in a rut – or like their daily life could use more joy, contentment, or laughter. Therapy allows them to discuss their struggles and find ways to move forward.