Could A Therapist Have The Potential To Help You?

If you're unsure of whether a therapist help you with your problems, read on to learn about reasons to seek some help. You may benefit greatly from this treatment.

The idea that seeing a therapist means you are "crazy" could not be further from the truth. The fact is that virtually everyone has had the experience of feeling overwhelmed by personal problems; such feelings are not aberrations or an indication of mental illness, but a normal life occurrence. If you find yourself confronting persistent feelings of anxiety or depression or are noticing behavioral patterns that you would like to change but are having trouble doing so, therapy might be the best solution for you.

Only you can answer the question, "Is therapy right for me?" You may have experienced a traumatic incident, such as a serious car accident or a military engagement; or you may feel hopeless and overwhelmed for no particular reason at all. A good rule of thumb is if your negative feelings are interfering with your everyday life - that is, if you are noticing serious disruption in your eating or sleeping patterns, or finding it difficult to attend social functions you once embraced eagerly - and your usual coping mechanisms are not alleviating your problems, it is most likely in your best interest to seek out a therapist. Most importantly, if you are having suicidal thoughts, seek help immediately from your local hospital.

The first step in choosing a therapist is to identify what problems you are having that you would like to address. Some specialize in treating certain problems, such as addictions or eating disorders; if marital problems are a significant source of stress for you, it would likely be beneficial, either with your partner or individually, to find a marriage counselor. A good strategy is to speak to your primary care physician and ask if he has any recommendations or if he can write you a referral. It is important to note that many health insurance plans will cover at least part of the cost of therapy, although you should always contact your insurance provider directly beforehand to get specific information on your coverage.

During your first meetings with your therapist, you should explicitly detail what problems you are experiencing, and what you would like to change in yourself as a result of therapy. Setting goals is important, and you should both refer to them from time to time to gauge the progress you are making. Remember that some goals may take longer to reach than others; patience is a vital part of the healing process.

Therapy can be a long process, and you should not expect change to happen overnight - but it can also be, as the saying goes, a matter of life and death. If you decide to pursue it, it is important to remember that you should not think of your therapist as your "friend". That is not to say that your relationship should not be one based on empowerment and optimism. Rather, think of him or her as a health care professional whose job it is to help you become a more perfect you.