Is therapy right for me?
Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with symptoms such as anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one’s life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek the advice of a therapist as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with a therapist can provide you with increased insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges.
Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, and general life transitions. Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater insight and self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.
Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you’ve faced, there’s nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you’re at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and personal change, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
How do I find the right therapy for me?
First you need to know that there are different types of psychotherapy and all therapists are not the same. The level of expertise of your therapist can determine the effectiveness of your treatment and the potential outcome. Psychotherapists are psychiatrists, psychologists or social workers. In fact, graduating professional school as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker does not indicate that the professional is a trained therapist. Becoming a trained therapist involves experience, a commitment to advanced psychotherapy education, and case supervision when needed. At Commerce psychiatric services we only have therapists who have demonstrated a commitment to providing superior care. In fact, most psychoanalytic therapists and all psychoanalysts are required to undergo their own personal psychoanalysis as part of their training.
Most people don’t know and don’t ask what type of therapy their therapist is trained to perform. I recommend that you become comfortable asking your therapist about their experience and expertise. A therapist should be comfortable with these questions, if they are not this should be of concern. A therapist should also be able to tell you openly about the alternative options for treatment. After several sessions for evaluation they should present the treatment options and recommendations openly and without any pressure.
How can therapy help me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Therapy can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, bereavement, stress management, body image issues, and creative blocks. Many people also find therapy to be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, and the hassles of daily life. Therapy can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
- Developing skills for improving your relationships
- Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
- Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Managing anger, depression, and other emotional pressures
- Improving communications and listening skills
- Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
- Discovering new ways to solve problems
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
Is medication a substitute for therapy?
In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with a psychiatrist or your medical doctor you can determine what’s best for you. It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.