Do You Need Therapy?

There's a strong stigma around therapy. You may have a lot of double thoughts about going to therapy, which can range anywhere from people judging you to feeling weak for seeking help. There are also moments when you wonder whether your issues are "serious enough" or does therapy truly helps. As a psychologist, I can say one thing for certain, therapy doesn't require a specific situation, it caters to everyone no matter what situation you currently face.

What Is Therapy?

A quick Google search can tell you what therapy is, and chances are, you've done that yourself. However, as the giver and receiver of therapy, in simple words, it's sharing, exploring, and finding out the true meaning of your troubles. The basic goal of therapy is gaining insight and a fresh perspective on your situation. Overall, therapy isn't just for someone with mental health issues, it's crafted to improve your quality of life.

Can Anyone Get Therapy?

The great thing about therapy is anyone can get it at any point in their lives. It may come as a shock to you, but even as a mental health professional and psychologist, I've had my fair share of therapy. There were two major reasons for this. Firstly, it is always advised for psychologists to receive psychotherapy before they start the practitioner's journey because it allows them to be aware of every part of their personality, and biases and brings light to unseen issues. Secondly, I had persistent depression for about 4 years, before I started my clinical journey, and therapy was an obvious choice when I started learning about psychology.

My reason for telling you this is that whether you're suffering from something serious, or are completely content with your life, therapy is something you should always consider.

What Does a Therapist Do?

Plenty of online searches can perfectly define what a therapist does. Funnily enough, with the resources we have right now, you can use AI to describe in-depth the job of a therapist. However, one thing that most people and resources leave out is a therapist doesn't directly solve your problems. They offer you a new perspective and empower you to make smart decisions.

You may go into therapy thinking that the therapist is going to solve your problems, but what they do is change the way you think through different therapeutic techniques such as CBT, REBT, Psychoanalysis, and many more. Your perspective, pre-built schemas, and experiences shape the way you think, and a therapist changes it so you face reality more positively and confidently.

What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session?

First sessions can be daunting, and you don't know what to expect. A thousand things are running across your mind, but let me put you at ease by telling you what to expect from your first therapy session. Mainly, your first therapy session is made of an initial assessment which as the name suggests, is done to assess your presenting complaints, history, family history, and basic demographic information.

In addition, there will be goal-setting in your initial sessions. Goal setting is a collaborative process, and it is okay if you don't know what you want to achieve. Lastly, these preliminary sessions are all about trust-building and being genuine. Finding the right therapist is crucial for your therapeutic journey, and if you don't have good vibes with your therapist, it's completely okay to look for other options without feeling any guilt.

Final Thoughts

Therapy is a tool everyone and anyone can use to lead a better life. The results aren't immediate, and chances are that the therapist you first go to doesn't sit well with you. However, none of this means that therapy isn't worth it, and that's also why Serenified is a trusted choice when it comes to choosing therapists as we ensure the perfect therapist for our clients. You are worth it, and your well-being matters.