Have you been considering therapy, but feeling hesitant to get started? Are you wondering what going to therapy would be like, and more importantly, are you somewhat skeptical that it will actually be helpful?
Getting Started
Starting therapy is hard. In fact, making the decision to start therapy is actually the most difficult part of therapy. You have to call people you do not know, share very personal information and hope that you are not being judged.
Why People Don’t Want to Start Therapy
People report the following reasons why they are hesitant to begin therapy:
I need to “bare your soul” to a stranger
I have to admit I may need help
What will my family and friends think
Can I trust a stranger to know my secrets
I can’t really explain how I feel
Feeling “weak” because I cannot solve this on my own
If you have felt this way and are unsure if therapy would be helpful, there may be a few things that you should know.
Talking Actually Helps
Therapists are people who have a natural sense of compassion and desire to help, but are
also professionally trained to provide help and support to each individual, based on their specific needs. We do ask a lot of personal questions, but there are many reasons for that. Talking actually helps people organize the way they think about their problems, and also helps in finding new solutions.
You are the Expert of Your Own Problems
Talking about what is bothering you also allows you to get rid of the tension and energy that builds up when you hold that inside and keep the secrets from others. A therapist can help you release some of the stress and anxiety you may be feeling, while also assisting you in finding the best solution to your personal problems. We are not here to just give advice and tell you what you should do. We are here to listen and help you find your own answers.
Invest in Your Future Self
Therapy can be very uncomfortable, though. You will find yourself feeling vulnerable, there will be times when you feel worse than you did before you came to therapy, and you will have to put some level of trust in someone you hardly know. Therapy does require taking a risk to do something different than what you have been doing. Therapy is an investment in your future, one that can lead to a more fulfilling life.
YOU are the Most Important Person During your Session
Going to therapy also provides you the opportunity to talk with someone who is completely focused on your needs. Therapists will listen with compassion and without judgment, will be sensitive to how uncomfortable you may feel, will help you identify what is really causing your stress, and will support you in a way that works best for YOU. Therapists will not tell you what you “should” do, but will help you find what is best for you to do.
Therapy is Like Having a Personal Assistant
Think of therapy as having a personal assistant for your well-being. Therapists are naturally empathic and curious, but also trained in identifying with you the things that are preventing you from living your best life. Much like a dietician or personal fitness instructor, therapists focus on your personal values, personality and needs, during session as well as between sessions.
Just Having an Appointment will Help you Feel Better
Getting started in therapy is often the hardest part. Most people report feeling better just by scheduling the first appointment. Knowing that you have set aside time to get help allows you to put your fears aside and focus on what you need to do today. Likewise, once you get into a routine of therapy, when a problem arises, you will find comfort in knowing that you can wait until your next appointment to work this out, and that you don’t need to figure it out on your own.
You Have Options
Therapy is different for everyone. For some, individual therapy is preferred, as you have the therapist all to yourself and there is a greater sense of privacy. For others, group therapy is a better option, as you get support from other people experiencing some of the same problems you are having. Some people even find that doing a little bit of both to be most effective, having some personal time with your individual therapist and then “trying out” new skills with others in the group.
Still Hesitant? Check this out…
If you are considering therapy but still unsure, consider our Mental Health Starter Kit, starting this fall, online through Catalyss Counseling in Englewood, Colorado. This six-week group will answer questions about why therapy may be helpful, how therapy works, and will give you a chance to “test out” whether this is right for you, without having to fully commit to therapy.
How We Can Help
We are enrolling for our mental health starter kit group that starts this fall
For adults who are hesitant about counseling but want to learn some basic skills, make changes in your life, and understand what therapy is about.
If you are looking for general support, or if you would like to talk to someone more about how we can help you, follow these simple steps:
Contact us today for a free 20-minute phone consultation
Or, you can book directly online with the therapist of your choice
Begin your journey towards a calmer, more relaxed life
Other Therapy Services Available at Catalyss Counseling:
Here at Catalyss Counseling, we want to meet all of your counseling needs in the Denver area. Our supportive therapists provide depression counseling, therapy for caregiver stress, grief and loss therapy, stress management counseling and more. We also have specialists in trauma and PTSD, women's issues, pregnancy and postpartum depression or anxiety, pregnancy loss and miscarriage, and birth trauma. For therapists, we can also provide clinical supervision! We look forward to connecting with you to help support your journey today.
Author Biography
Chris Campassi, LPC, LCMHC, ACS is a therapist at Catalyss Counseling who works with adults who are going through job, family, life or personal relationship transitions to manage their stress, anxiety and loneliness. He helps them transform their lives to find meaning again and joy in the everyday things that they do. He would love to work with you! Follow Catalyss Counseling on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
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