Therapy: Yay or Nay?
While washing dishes, I began thinking about therapy, because you absolutely need to know that fun fact right?? But anyway I began thinking about why people may or may not get counseling. And then I decided to write about it...
I think that we as a society have come to the conclusion that we only need 1 of 3 (or two of three or all three) people to help us in our life/mental problems: (1) Religion (not a person but a person can be associated) (2) our self (3) family/friends. There's nothing wrong with seeking help from your religion and your family and friends, or even trying to take a self-help approach but sometimes you need more than what your inner circle can give you or even yourself. Most times, you've heard it all before and then before you know it it's in one ear and out the other. And if you take a self-help approach you're too close to your problem and you can't see as clear as you should... Professionals want to help, and they may say what you already know but in a new context or perspective. I believe that God won't look down on you for seeking outside professional help. I mean think of the story of the man drowning in the ocean praying for God to save him.... Know the story? (If not, comment and ask, ask a friend, or watch "Pursuit of Happyness")
So I have come up with two main reasons an individual should seek therapy if it comes to it:
#1: You need a new set of eyes/ears not attached to your situation... I've been reiterating this point throughout this post but it's true. You need to hear it from someone who is not emotionally attached to your situation and who won't give you an emotional/biased response. Therapist want to know the whole story, your feelings your emotions, your thoughts and sometimes even your past. You may not share all that with your family and friends. Your inner circle may not be able to see connections that stem from years of cycles or just anything you share. It's a new and honest perspective. Your counselor/therapist are #TeamYOU but only if you are honest with them and share... Don't feel like you'll be judged or embarrassed with your story. Therapist are not there to judge you.... In the end their goal is to help you.
#2: Therapist and Counselors provide accountability.... It is very important when going through personal problems or anything really to have someone who is almost tethered to you helping and guiding you so you aren't alone. But also someone who will pull you back when they see you falling backwards. Your therapist or counselor provide accountability that you can talk yourself out of if you're going the self-help approach or that family and friends may not provide when you see them. Counselors want to see you move forward and its their job to notice if you aren't but its also your job to be honest with them.... It's a two way street.
Overall there is nothing wrong with seeking help outside of your circle of people you are comfortable with. Sometimes we need a new perspective from someone who isn't Mom or Dad, Best Friend, husband, or wife. And sometimes God wants us to go beyond what's comfortable to get the best thing possible. The good thing about finding a counselor is if you don't like one, you can find another one until you are find one you are happy with. But it all starts with pushing past opinions, pushing past stigmas against counseling, and acknowledging that you are tired of where you are and want someone to listen and help you... It starts with you...
So I didn't figure this post would be this long 😏😒
But I would love to hear thoughts.. What are some things you generalized about therapy? If you sought therapy what made you finally go?? How do you feel about counseling/therapy overall?? Let me know!
Here is a link I found that also may help or interesting reading material: 9 Myths and Facts About Therapy
If you are feeling ambitious take a read with this article: Avoidance of Counseling: Factors That Prevent Seeking Help
Depending on your culture or family. It may be hard to seek out professional help or to even say "I Need Help." But saying that is the war, now you just gotta take steps to win the little battle. Counseling is not just for extremely depressed, bipolar, or suicidal people. It's also for people who just need someone to listen to them and their problems. It's a way to gain a new perspective that you may have never seen before from someone not emotionally attached to your problems. They objectively see from all angles and show you what they see with an unbiased response. Ultimately you are the focus. You Matter. And that's the important thing to remember.
I think that we as a society have come to the conclusion that we only need 1 of 3 (or two of three or all three) people to help us in our life/mental problems: (1) Religion (not a person but a person can be associated) (2) our self (3) family/friends. There's nothing wrong with seeking help from your religion and your family and friends, or even trying to take a self-help approach but sometimes you need more than what your inner circle can give you or even yourself. Most times, you've heard it all before and then before you know it it's in one ear and out the other. And if you take a self-help approach you're too close to your problem and you can't see as clear as you should... Professionals want to help, and they may say what you already know but in a new context or perspective. I believe that God won't look down on you for seeking outside professional help. I mean think of the story of the man drowning in the ocean praying for God to save him.... Know the story? (If not, comment and ask, ask a friend, or watch "Pursuit of Happyness")
So I have come up with two main reasons an individual should seek therapy if it comes to it:
#1: You need a new set of eyes/ears not attached to your situation... I've been reiterating this point throughout this post but it's true. You need to hear it from someone who is not emotionally attached to your situation and who won't give you an emotional/biased response. Therapist want to know the whole story, your feelings your emotions, your thoughts and sometimes even your past. You may not share all that with your family and friends. Your inner circle may not be able to see connections that stem from years of cycles or just anything you share. It's a new and honest perspective. Your counselor/therapist are #TeamYOU but only if you are honest with them and share... Don't feel like you'll be judged or embarrassed with your story. Therapist are not there to judge you.... In the end their goal is to help you.
#2: Therapist and Counselors provide accountability.... It is very important when going through personal problems or anything really to have someone who is almost tethered to you helping and guiding you so you aren't alone. But also someone who will pull you back when they see you falling backwards. Your therapist or counselor provide accountability that you can talk yourself out of if you're going the self-help approach or that family and friends may not provide when you see them. Counselors want to see you move forward and its their job to notice if you aren't but its also your job to be honest with them.... It's a two way street.
Overall there is nothing wrong with seeking help outside of your circle of people you are comfortable with. Sometimes we need a new perspective from someone who isn't Mom or Dad, Best Friend, husband, or wife. And sometimes God wants us to go beyond what's comfortable to get the best thing possible. The good thing about finding a counselor is if you don't like one, you can find another one until you are find one you are happy with. But it all starts with pushing past opinions, pushing past stigmas against counseling, and acknowledging that you are tired of where you are and want someone to listen and help you... It starts with you...
So I didn't figure this post would be this long 😏😒
But I would love to hear thoughts.. What are some things you generalized about therapy? If you sought therapy what made you finally go?? How do you feel about counseling/therapy overall?? Let me know!
Here is a link I found that also may help or interesting reading material: 9 Myths and Facts About Therapy
If you are feeling ambitious take a read with this article: Avoidance of Counseling: Factors That Prevent Seeking Help
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