Today I want to discuss a topic that I believe often gets overlooked. Therapy. I currently see a therapist and have seen one at different points in my life for various reasons. I won’t go into details about the reasons I am currently seeing a therapist, but I will say that it is for more than one reason and I have always found many benefits by discussing issues with an outsider who has no bias. Often we think of people who need therapy as “broken” or “wounded,” but I don’t think I am either of those. I believe people who seek outside help are often stronger than they get credit for. Realizing your issue(s) is bigger than you is a huge step in personal development. It shows that you are human and understand that you can’t fix everything (by yourself). I want to share the different reasons I believe in therapy and how it helps me.
- My therapist helps me see things through a different light. Therapy helps me to take a step back and realize that my view is very narrow.
- Talking issues through is a part of self-healing. Acknowledging your mistakes and faults is part of the healing and growing process.
- You learn new things about yourself. Some people don’t see the benefit of therapy because they think therapists just listen. While they do listen, they often make suggestions of ways you could approach situations different or think about an issue in a new way.
- Sometimes you do answer your own questions. By hearing your thoughts out loud, sometimes you are able to see how crazy/funny something sounds and realize you need to make a change.
- Therapy is a stress reliever. I am an emotional person. A little thing can make me sad/frustrated pretty quickly. By talking things through with my therapist, I am able to get everything out without exploding on an individual who hurt or upset me.
- It is my me time. Having a designated time to talk about my feelings and really think past situations through is very valuable for me. I am the type of person to sweep things under the rug and try to move on quickly, but therapy forces me to go back to certain situations and think about how they could have been handled differently. It has definitely taught me to address the problem head on rather than avoiding it.
- Therapy has helped me realize that I am not the only one. My therapist has helped me to realize that something I might think is a huge deal is really not that abnormal at all. My therapist has helped me to realize that a lot of people go through the same struggles that I do. It is nice to hear that you are not alone (or crazy).
- There is almost always a fix. Therapy has helped me realize that there are ways to fix certain behaviors and ways of dealing with situations. You don’t have to change who you are to better yourself. I am constantly striving to be a better version of myself and to have the opportunity to learn of ways to do this from a professional is very helpful.
Therapy is not for everyone. I totally get that. But, I do think most people could benefit from it. You do not have to have something terrible happen to feel the need to talk to someone. Therapy can be beneficial in all stages of life. In life, we all go through turning points/major changes such as figuring out a career, job searching, completing a degree, getting married, moving, having children, etc. These can all be very positive moments in life, while being very overwhelming and unsettling at the same time. I think it is important for people to understand that therapy does not make you weak. In fact, I believe it makes you really strong. Sometimes it is hard to tell a complete stranger everything about you, including your flaws. But, the benefits certainly outweigh the costs. If you are thinking about seeing a therapist for any reason (you may not have a reason at all), I encourage you to do it.
As always, feel free to contact me if you have any questions about this topic and I will do my best to answer them! Have a wonderful day!
Questions:
- Have you ever gone to therapy?
- What was the biggest life change you have encountered so far?
- What is your favorite way to spend “me” time with yourself?
I so agree with you on this. I think our culture in America loves to glorify being strong and enduring without seeking outside help. It’s all very backwards! Great thoughts!
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I completely agree with that. I think a lot of people feel scared to admit that they go to therapy in fear that they will be judged, but a lot more people see a therapist than we know, which is good… but it definitely should be talked about more.
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Thank you for opening up on this topic! My husband has been going to therapy since he was very young, and it’s helped him quite a bit. I think most all of us would benefit from it in some way or another!
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Thank you! I feel the same way about therapy, Lisa. It has helped me tremendously. It just gives you the chance to take a step back and look at situations with an open mind.
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Well said
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Thanks, Bonnie!
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I wish I could afford to go to one right now. When I was in college I was able to go to one regularly because we had one on campus. I can not wait until I have the change to see one regularly. Until them I just journal and try to walk myself through a lot of the questions and things that I learned with my previous therapist.
Stumbled onto your blog and loving it!
~Stephanie~
http://www.infinitelifefitness.com
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Thanks for stopping by, Stephanie! That is so nice that you were able to see a therapist in college. Journaling is such a great idea… I need to do that. xoxo
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Great topic to share!! I went to therapy after I found out I’d never have children, and I currently belong to a support group at my church for those who couldn’t, and those having difficulties conceiving. Helps with inner peace!!! Proud of you Taylor for raising awareness of something the world is in greater need of!!!
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Thanks for sharing, Harriet! Therapy has definitely helped with my inner peace. I just love it. xoxo
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I have been in therapy for almost 5 years now and I feel like I always will be in thearpy. I think there is absolutely nothing wrong with it and everyone could benefit from it!! Therapy helps me tremendously and I’m so thankful for it
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Thanks for sharing, Lyss! I totally agree. It has helped me a lot and I am so thankful for it too.
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