10 Experiences You May Be Having That Are Signs It’s Time To Start Therapy
Are you contemplating starting therapy but not sure? Afraid but curious? Avoiding it completely despite knowing you need it? You are not alone! It’s a big step to see a therapist and it’s not easy to get set up. Before actually looking, you need to think about if you really want to do this. Face yourself, change for the better, take care of yourself. As “good” as those things sound, they are hard and many people go about life avoiding it all to not have to deal.
Myth: “Therapy is only for rock bottom moments and mental illness”
I do want to point out that you don't need to wait to start therapy until you’re at a rock bottom, dealing with a crisis, or in the depth of a major mental health issue. Yes these are clearly good reasons to be in therapy, but there are plenty of other reasons you may want to go. And for the most part, I believe anyone can benefit. Here are 10 experiences that you may be going through that are signs it’s time to start therapy:
1. You are in the midst of a change or transition. For example: starting a new job, leaving a relationship, moving, finishing school, etc. There are all big changes and life transitions which can trigger stress, anxiety, uncertainty, and fear.
2. You are experiencing grief - outside of death it could be a break up, letting go of a relationship, a family member being sick
3. You are noticing that childhood or unresolved trauma may be triggering current emotional reactivity
4. You find yourself struggling with dating, replaying old relationship or family dynamics, or you are just wanting to be a better partner and learn to communicate
5. You are frequently stressed, overwhelmed, and burnt out
6. You are noticing patterns not serving you and you want to become a better more authentic and confident version of yourself
7. Boundary setting is hard, you find yourself avoiding conflict
8. Anxiety is getting in the way of staying present, making decisions, or sleeping
9. You don't know many ways to cope with stress, regulate your emotions, or practice self-care
10. Your inner critic is super harsh and you'd like to be kinder to yourself and improve your self-esteem
If you are currently experiencing any of these, these are great reasons to start therapy! And the thing is, these are just 10. There are millions of other good reasons to go. You don’t even have to be experiencing anything too stressful to try it. Anyone interested in shifting patterns, growing for the better, and becoming more self aware can go.
If you are recognizing it’s time to start therapy but don’t know where to begin. Check out a blog I wrote, “10 Tips For Finding The Right Therapist”
If we may be a good fit and you’d like to set up that 15 minute phone consultation I referred to, please schedule here! Include your name, age, location, and a brief line or two on what you are seeking therapy for at this time. You can also email me at alyssakushnerlcsw@gmail.com to ask questions or find other availability for a call.
Here are some directories to look for therapists:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us
https://mentalhealthmatch.com/
https://www.goodtherapy.org/
You can also ask a doctor or friend for a referral or call your insurance directly if you need to be in-network.
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