Benefits of Psychotherapy
Some people think that going to see a therapist makes them weak or "crazy". This can't be further from the truth. Mental health treatment carries such a bias and stigma with it still today, it is one of my biggest pet peeves.
There are tons of reasons why someone may benefit from psychotherapy. Chronic mental illness is only one of them. Perhaps you are struggling with feelings of worthlessness, lack of motivation or having trouble sleeping. Perhaps you or someone you know has a bad relationship with food, or is on a slippery slope with drugs or alcohol. Maybe your child has experienced a trauma - abuse, an accident, loss of a loved one, a divorce or medical emergency. All of these events can be reasons why someone may benefit from psychotherapy.
Research shows that some psychotherapy interventions are MORE successful at treating Depression, Anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and eating disorders rather medications -- especially modalities like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) which I happen to specialize in. Having a scientific background, this is one of the reasons I love this modality so much --because the research proves that it works!
Psychotherapy helps the individual understand why they are feeling the way they are and helps them to develop better coping mechanisms so they can function and enjoy their lives. They should be empowered and should not feel like they need to be in therapy forever.
The APA describes:
"Overcoming that nervousness is worth it. That’s because any time your quality of life isn’t what you want it to be, psychotherapy can help.
Some people seek psychotherapy because they have felt depressed, anxious or angry for a long time. Others may want help for a chronic illness that is interfering with their emotional or physical well-being. Still others may have short-term problems they need help navigating. They may be going through a divorce, facing an empty nest, feeling overwhelmed by a new job or grieving a family member's death, for example." (www.apa.org)
Signs that you could benefit from therapy include:
You feel an overwhelming, prolonged sense of helplessness and sadness.
Your problems don't seem to get better despite your efforts and help from family and friends.
You find it difficult to concentrate on work assignments or to carry out other everyday activities.
You worry excessively, expect the worst or are constantly on edge.
Your actions, such as drinking too much alcohol, using drugs or being aggressive, are harming you or others.
Make sure that whoever you choose to see for therapy that they specialize in the area you are looking for treatment in. Many providers accept Insurance, so be sure to your research and ask for referrals.