Are you, or someone you know, wondering whether or not to seek psychological therapy? Making this decision can seem overwhelming. Perhaps you are afraid of “opening up” to a stranger. Or, you believe that therapy is only for seriously troubled people, that your issues don’t qualify. Learning the basics of what therapy is and isn’t, and what is is good for may help you make that decision. 

I’ll start with an overview of the basics.

 

(If you have any physical impairments or issues, you may want to consider getting help from a carer. In this case you should look at carers near you.)

What is psychological assistance?

Psychological treatment is most commonly called “therapy” or “counseling”. Traditional psychological treatment is conversation-based, where you sit and talk privately with a trained therapist. It is all very confidential, just like when visiting a doctor. Therapists are schooled in a variety of treatment options. These treatments are design to help clients address personal problems, and improve emotional and functional wellbeing.

Therapists/counsellors assist their clients in identifying patterns of thought, both conscious and unconscious, that may be contributing to their difficulties. This process helps clients gain clarity and deepen their understanding of what they want and need in their lives. A successful therapeutic relationship with a counselor will help you achieve a better feeling state and develop the skills and competencies to help you with future difficulties. 

Is Psychological Assistance Right for Me?

The decision to seek therapy the first time often raises questions and concerns. People wonder if their problems really warrant treatment. Or, should they just wait and see if  time will take care of them? A common misconception is that seeking psychotherapy means a person is weak and unable to cope on their own. People are also often frightened of being “changed” somehow.  Or, they wonder how a conversation with another person can help them with specifics problems. The decision to seek psychological assistance is different for every individual, but following are a few things to think about.

How much emotional distress are you experiencing? How much of your energy and thoughts are focused on your problem(s)?  Do you believe you have the tools and self-confidence to deal effectively with the problem on your own? Would you benefit from talking with someone who is completely objective and able to provide you with tools to make your problem solving easier and more effective? Do you have some confidence in the treatment process? Are you curious about therapy to see if it can work for you?  Are you open to gaining a new perspective on your current problems, and a deeper understanding of yourself?  Would you like to gain skills to help you cope with difficult situations, both now and in the future? Are you open to the possibility of making a real change in your life?

The following guidelines should help you go a little deeper in making your decision as to whether psychological treatment is right for you or not.

WHEN SHOULD I SEEK THERAPY?

Emotional Distress Impairing Quality of Life

We all face challenging events and difficult periods in our lives. The loss of a job, the death of a loved one, divorce, or a serious accident can all trigger deep emotional discomfort for which therapy is appropriate.  But, many many people suffer ongoing emotional distress that started in childhood. If you are having problem after problem as an adult, it could be that your not just prone to bad luck, but that unresolved childhood issues could be contributing to what s happening in your life today.

Working with a trained therapist can help you get to the bottom of your distress and help you create a happier, more comfortable life. A persistent level of emotional distress that impairs our ability to function and enjoy life is reason enough to seek psychological treatment. Unresolved issues can show up as depression, anxiety disorders, obsessions, trauma and eating disorders. No matter how vague or undefined your feelings are that cause suffering and emotional distress, if you are in pain, counseling can help.

Impairment of functioning – When our emotional difficulties impair our ability to do our job or keep up with our academic studies, therapy is an excellent resource. Psychological treatment is advised when depression keeps us from showing up for work or exam anxiety impairs our ability to achieve academically. Impaired functioning almost always shows up in relationships, in conflict and discord. If difficult past experiences get in the way of your ability to create a healthy functional relationship or family unit, or leads to sexual issues, a therapist can help you work through what’s keeping you stuck.

Behavioral Symptoms

Addictions, outbursts of anger and emotional eating are behaviors that are rooted in emotional difficulties. Quite often these difficulties stem from issues we are mostly not aware of.  Psychological treatment can help you get to the root cause of these issues and provide you with valuable tools to overcome them.

A therapist can help you gain deeper understanding of why you do what you do and think what you think. In the process you will gain new skills for controlling problematic behavior.

Difficulties in the social and interpersonal field – Interpersonal skills are useful in almost every area of life. They help us create friendships, establish effective and pleasant working relationships and help us find, develop and maintain lasting relationship. Difficulties that arise from interpersonal conflicts with a spouse, in-laws or bosses prompt many to seek therapy, or by contrast, difficulties in forming relationships leading to loneliness or social anxiety is reason enough to seek help.

Dealing with a Life Crisis

You don’t need to go it alone. Even people with tons of personal confidence, coping skills and a broad support system face life challenges that benefit from the assistance of a therapist. Loss, divorce, unexpected illness, the birth of a child with special needs, age crises are all significant and challenging events for which psychological treatment is appropriate. Friends and family can be a great support, but a trained professional can offer a kind of support and guidance that our loved ones can not.

Or no crisis.

Many people think psychological assistance is only for people with severe emotional problems. But, it is also suitable for the average person for different reasons. For example, therapy can be very useful for those who feel that they are not realizing their full potential, and for those who feel as thought something is missing in their lives. It is a worthwhile endeavor for those who want to get to know themselves better and improve certain areas of their life.

In my experience, therapy has relieved suffering, helped me grow in self-awareness and self-confidence and given me valuable tools to create a happier, more fulfilling life. But, whether or not you seek therapy is entirely up to you.

 

How psychological treatment works, the main treatment methods, and how to choose the right treatment for you.