Thinking About Starting Therapy?
Therapy seems to be everywhere these days. From social media, TV, family members, and even all the therapy-speak lingo being used in your closest relationships. A lot of it may feel like a joke or a concept that’s so far out of reach that you can overlook it, but sometimes you might feel like “well maybe…” It can be an overwhelming decision to make, which is totally normal. Us therapists call that ambivalence. Feeling this way towards therapy can be caused by many factors including feeling weird about change, feeling like you don’t have the time, or even wondering what others might say about it. But you wouldn’t think twice about going to see your dentist about a toothache, right? Below are some common reasons that stop people from going to therapy. Do any of these fit for you?
Fear of Vulnerability - Sharing your story with anyone, let alone a total stranger(!) can be intimidating and lead to fear of judgment. Rest assured, finding someone who meets you where you’re at and takes the time to build trust can allow for therapeutic work to occur at a comfortable pace.
Cost and Accessibility - Therapy can be expensive! It is an investment into your personal growth. The long term benefits of therapy can make the cost feel more worthwhile. You can also look into options around using insurance, getting reimbursed through superbills, and sometimes public funding depending on what you’re struggling with.
Stigma of Mental Health Issues - Going to therapy doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. In fact, most therapists spend a lot of time reminding their clients that there is absolutely nothing wrong with them, and absolutely a solid reason for why you’re feeling the way you do. Therapy is not just for people in crisis but for anyone who is looking to improve their mental well-being. Think of therapy as a part of your self-care routine!
Belief That Therapy Won’t Help - Struggling with feeling hopeless can make some think that no one can truly help them. We understand why you would feel this way, and we promise that good therapy is different. Therapy is more than just fixing the problem. It’s about gaining the tools and skills to better cope and navigate through life’s never-ending challenges. Therapy takes time, and even small progress can improve your quality of life!
Past Negative Experiences - We are sad if this reason applies to you….Feeling unheard or misunderstood can leave you feeling discouraged to continue therapy. We get that, and never want you to feel that way again. We absolutely encourage you to find a therapist you are comfortable with and who can help to validate any negative experiences you had with someone else.
Time Commitment - Have you found yourself saying “I don’t have time for that”? Therapy requires you to buy into yourself, which can be difficult to manage with an already busy schedule. We know your time is valuable. Telehealth options provide flexible, accessible treatment, especially for those with busy schedules. Even starting out with a few sessions to address immediate concerns before deciding if you want to continue is always an option!
Fear of Change - Therapy often involves looking at parts of yourself you may want to change, which can be daunting and lead to feelings of shame. Your therapist will help you navigate these feelings so you can be the best version of yourself. Change in therapy signifies positive growth and therapy does not have to be overwhelming.
Did you find yourself relating to any of those reasons? If so, you’re not alone! Making the decision to start therapy can feel like A LOT, but research shows that most people who receive therapy experience symptom relief and are better able to function in their lives. In order to be your best self, and give your best self to others, it is important to take time to invest in yourself. In fact, therapy can even help explore your ambivalence and challenge you to step outside your comfort zone to a greater well-being. Healing is possible and you deserve to feel like yourself again. We encourage you to take the first step and book an appointment with Scampton Counseling.
