Is Therapy for Me?

Is therapy for me is a question that many of us ponder before giving therapy a try, and it's a fantastic question! On my journey, I've met people who have found balance, contentment, and peace without ever stepping into a therapy session. The truth is, there are plenty of other ways to heal, and many communities around the world find their answers through cultural and spiritual practices. So, it really depends on where you live, your support systems, beliefs, and values that shape your healing journey. But, if you've tried other methods and still haven't found the answers or clarity you're seeking, there's absolutely no harm in giving therapy a shot. It's important to know that you'll need to put in some effort to see the benefits of therapy. The therapist is there to help guide you to discover the answers that are already within you. If you've been considering therapy for a while, here are four things to think about on your journey:

• It's super important that you and your therapist click well, so don't hesitate to shop around a bit. For instance, when I was dealing with racial trauma at a previous job, I needed a therapist who really got my experiences, so I didn't have to spend time explaining everything. I wanted someone with the right credentials, but also someone who had lived a little and brought a spiritual touch to their practice. When I finally found the right person, I had to wait a bit, but it was totally worth it. Our free discovery call felt so comfy and safe, and we even shared a few laughs, which showed me she had a great sense of humor. Honestly, I was looking for a real person, not a robot, lol. By the end of the call, she also felt we were a great match. Remember, during the discovery call, you're both checking each other out to see if this partnership can lead to something positive. It's a commitment you make together with your therapist on your healing journey. So, take your time finding a therapist who truly fits your needs.

• I have witnessed some amazing transformations in people's lives after they have received therapy. However, one common theme that I notice is the amount of efforts these individuals have put towards practicing the insights they have gained in therapy in spaces outside of therapy. A phrase that I have shared with my clients in the past when I was a caseworker in social services is that we can't keep doing the same thing and expect a different outcome. Of course, if the outcome you want is to increase physical mobility, then you do need to stick to habits like exercising and other physical activities to see the results you want. What I am talking here about is our perspectives, habits, relationship styles and patterns that result in distress, trauma and sadness. We want our habits and thought processes to increase our quality of life and result in better mental health. For example, if you made a commitment in therapy to set healthy boundaries at work by only giving a certain amount of time and reducing work talk in social settings, then you need to start practicing that in your life. Therefore, goals set in therapy are only reached by your efforts. Your therapist will be your kind accountability partner. The journey won't be perfect since we are breaking unhealthy patterns and unlearning perspectives that no longer serve us, so please be kind to yourself. You got this!

• Be open and honest on your journey! Remember, it's totally normal to stumble along the way, and each little hiccup is just a chance to learn and grow. Therapy is a safe, judgment-free zone where you can share your thoughts without feeling embarrassed. If you ever feel like your therapist might not understand or you're hesitant to open up, just let them know. They're there to help guide you. Sometimes, you might not be ready to dive into a tough memory or talk about something that's been bothering you, and that's perfectly fine. You're in charge of how your therapy journey unfolds. If you ever feel uneasy or need a break, just say so. This is your journey, and you're in the driver's seat!

• The risk you face when transforming your life is that your relationships with yourself and others will change. The journey will be messy because we are unpacking things that we have buried so expect  forms of emotional releases during the process. Some of the changes will be painful because some connections may drift away from you since you would be a better version of yourself and they can no longer resonate with who you have become. But, those who want to grow with you and are cheering for you will stick around to celebrate with you. In my own journey, the best gift I gave myself is opening my mind to receiving non-judgmental help where I felt safe. I believe that everyone deserves to feel inspired to live their best life and you deserve to feel that way. 

I hope this has given you some helpful insights if you're thinking about trying therapy. Once you give it a go, you might find out if it's the right fit for you. Just keep in mind that it's a journey, and it will take some time and effort on your part to see the benefits. With the right therapist, a positive mindset, and a bit of dedication, you'll be well on your way to feeling more clear and confident in your life.

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