Therapy is scary. Even as a therapist, I think it can be terrifying. You’re expected to go into a room with someone and tell them everything that’s happening in your life, including the thoughts and feelings that you’ve never told anyone? I can’t think of many people who would be excited about doing something like that. But therapy being scary doesn’t mean that it’s bad or dangerous or that there’s anything wrong with you for wanting or needing a little more support in your life.
Some of the reasons that people might be nervous about starting therapy are the ideas that only people who struggle with mental illness need therapy, that other people might see you as “crazy,” or that seeking help is a sign of weakness. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Therapy is a valuable tool for anyone struggling with their mental health, whether it be anxiety, depression, trauma, or simply the stress of everyday life. Just like we go to the doctor for our body’s health, we should also seek help for our mental health.
Every day, I see people who just need someone to talk to or who want to have someone in their life that isn’t going to judge them. That’s where therapy really works, by giving you a place and a person to just be yourself with and not have to worry about being judged. Therapists have specific training that helps us understand your point of view and avoid being judgmental.
Many people are taught to suppress their emotions and toughen up in the face of adversity. This can make it difficult to admit you’re struggling and ask for help, but therapy provides a safe space for people to express emotions, process thoughts, and develop healthy ways to deal with life. It is a sign of strength, not weakness, to recognize when you need support and take steps to improve your mental health.
How do we make starting therapy easier for you? We are committed to keeping therapy confidential. This means that you don’t have to worry about us sharing things regarding your therapy with others, except in important situations like keeping people safe. It means that you can choose whether or not you want to come see us in person or on the computer.
We know that you are the expert on your life. Because of that, we want to make sure that therapy is a place where your wants and needs are respected. This means you will help guide the therapeutic process and will help develop any goals we work on together. Therapy will always be a collaborative process. Also, you aren’t locked in to any decisions. If something isn’t working, then it can be revisited and changed to be made better for you.
Are you concerned about what would happen if you need to stop therapy? That’s alright. Ending things is always difficult. A good therapist knows that most people will eventually stop therapy and will help guide you through the process of ending therapy. In addition, if you find that the therapist you met with isn’t a good fit for you, it’s alright to try with someone else. They might even have recommendations for someone who would be a better option.
No matter what is holding you back, we can help walk you through starting therapy. Therapy is an important tool for improving mental health and well-being, and it is so important to break down the fear and stigma surrounding it. Whether you are struggling with a major life transition or just need someone to talk things through with, our team at Better Together Mental Health is here to support you. Give us a call at 573-355-8844 or fill out our online form here. Our team of licensed professionals is here to support you in any way that we can.
