Many people only make the jump to seeing a therapist when they reach a breaking point or crisis, but the reality is that seeing a professional before you reach that point can actually be more beneficial for your long term mental health. And when you think about it, it doesn’t really make sense to wait for things to get worse before putting in effort to make them better. So why not try to improve your situation now instead of later? With that in mind, here’s 5 reasons to start individual therapy --and none of them mean you’re “crazy.”

1. To find clarity

Sometimes you do not have a clear reason for wanting to seek help, but something just feels off. And that’s okay. You don’t have to know exactly why you’re feeling certain ways and there does not have to be a major life event that you need help getting through. Sometimes feeling lost is enough of a reason to seek guidance. No matter what area of life you’re struggling to navigate--relationships, school, career--a therapist can help you uncover what habits are helping and hurting you and how to best achieve a clearer state of mind.

2. To talk to an unbiased source

Having strong social connections is important, but it is not always enough. Instead of relying solely on family and friends, it makes sense to build a larger network of support, including seeking a therapist.

Since they are further away from the situation, they can offer more unbiased input, and, as a professional, they are much less likely to make the situation about themselves. Plus, they’ll keep sensitive topics confidential--a guarantee that you cannot always count on when it comes to friends and family.

3. To understand alternative perspectives

You learn your patterns from the people closest to you. Most of your habits (both good and bad) can be traced back to the people you spend the most time with; they’re the ones you learned these habits from. In the same way, you often unknowingly adopt their perspectives and worldviews. Oftentimes these perspectives are inaccurate.Unfortunately, you can find yourself stuck in one without even realizing it. A therapist is trained to identify these patterns and help you break unhealthy habits, introducing you to new perspectives in the process. 

4. To address feelings of anxiety

Many people have experiences with anxiety--whether its increasing pressure from work or a regular part of your “worrier” brain. Anxiety is normalized in our society to the point where it may be difficult to tell what levels of anxiety are appropriate. 

A therapist can help you identify when (and if) this anxiety starts intruding on your daily functioning and your ability to experience joy. At that point, it’s definitely time to work on some new strategies to address your anxiety. But you do not have to do it alone. A therapist can also help you understand the ways that anxiety comes up in your life, pinpoint where the feelings stem from, and brainstorm how to cope with them in healthier ways.

5. Because you deserve it

Therapy is a place of self-growth and healing. These life changes can be uncomfortable, but therapy is also about finding a balance: pushing past your comfort zone while also experiencing validation and unconditional support.  You want the best quality of life for yourself, but it can be hard to get there alone. Therapy can help give you the tools to become the best version of yourself and to start living a life you enjoy and are proud of. And you deserve it.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your own personal development, you can contact me by clicking here.