Life is hard, even if statistically yours has been relatively stable. The human experience is rife with internal and external struggles and vocalizing your challenges is often stigmatized. This can result in many people dealing with their issues alone or neglecting them completely. However, working with a therapist can be a life-changing experience, providing a safe space to share, explore, and problem-solve.
1. You Gain Another Perspective to Your Life Experiences
The mind is a powerful thing and, if you're not careful, it can craft a story that's anything but true. However, when you work with a therapist, you gain an objective and highly-trained perspective on your experiences.
Therapists have learned how to help patients explore their feelings and examine them constructively. While well-meaning friends are often happy to listen to you, they aren't always in a place to provide sound advice. In contrast, a therapist is there for you and has the tools and training to support whatever your session brings.
An outside perspective can also give you a more objective viewpoint, especially as your therapist isn't in your circle. Your therapist isn't there to judge, rather they will help guide you through your sessions as they unfold. You'll have a safe space to focus on what's on your mind and can customize your goals for therapy. Find care in outpatient settings, online, and mental health rehab centers where you can dedicate time to your well-being.
2. You're Investing in Yourself and Your Wellbeing
If you're prone to committing all your time and energy toward others, it can be hard to find time for yourself. However, if you're so busy pouring your energy into others' needs and wants, you can start to burn out. After years of neglecting your needs, you can become resentful and angry, taking away from the good in your life. Therapy can give you a place to express your emotions, work through problems, and learn healthy communication skills.
The appointment-based nature of therapy can help busy people stay accountable, as an appointment can improve attendance at sessions. When you know someone is expecting you, it's easier to show up, which also means you're showing up for yourself.
During your sessions, you're the focus, which can be especially helpful for caregivers, who often are focused on others. Consider therapy a way to build yourself up so you can show up as your best self elsewhere.
3. You Can Overcome Generational Trauma
In many families, trauma is laced throughout generations, and it can feel impossible to escape. You can't choose your family and separating yourself from problematic situations, habits, or people isn't always possible. Learned toxic behaviors, addiction, and mental health diagnoses are often passed down and accepted as normal within family units.
With the support of your therapist, you can better understand your trauma, how to combat it, and navigate life afterward. Whether you've experienced abuse, narcissism, or neglect, therapy can help you heal.
When you're the first in your family to refute toxic behavior, it may present new challenges that therapy can help.
You may be seen as different or going against what's "normal," adding complexities to your family dynamic. Your therapist can be a sounding board against these experiences and help you learn coping skills and techniques. If your trauma is such that you need to make a big change, your therapist will be there for you. With their support, you can overcome generational trauma and create a healthy, sustainable, and safe future.
4. Your Confidence and Self-Esteem Can Skyrocket
Most of the time, you're encouraged to care for your physical health, but your mental health deserves care, too. During youth, your brain develops at a fast pace, and it doesn't become fully developed until adulthood. Social media adds a new layer to the developmental experience, both in forming social constructs and expectations.
Blend this reality with media messages that seemingly come in from every direction and your confidence takes a hit. However, people who work with a therapist can improve their confidence, resiliency, and sense of self despite external influence.
The journey of self-discovery never ends, but a therapist can be your guide to help you along the way. Set goals together to help craft your sessions and set milestones for what you want to achieve.
Your therapist can also give you assignments to work on in between sessions that will support your growth. Some may encourage journaling, logging your feelings, or listing what you're grateful for. This practice can boost the effectiveness of your sessions and lead to greater awareness of yourself and overall confidence.
Therapy is for Everyone
Access to qualified, compassionate therapists has improved in recent years, reducing the barrier to connecting with care. Employers are investing more in mental health, expanding employee assistance programs, and encouraging conversations about mental well-being at work.
Search for a therapist specializing in the type of treatment you need or are interested in. Strive to find a therapist that you connect with and commit to attending your appointments, even when life gets busy. When you do, you strengthen your mental tenacity, manage external challenges, and better understand yourself in every phase of life.
