For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
There are many reasons people may be hesitant, and they are all valid. It may be a matter of money, time, bad experiences in the past, uncertainty that therapy will work, or simply not feeling that you have the energy to do the work right now.
I believe that you’ll know when it’s time to make a change, and a therapist can really help with that process. A good therapist can bring an unbiased opinion, compassionate ear, an in-depth knowledge of the human mind and relationships, and a long list of tools and skills that can help you along the way.
Therapy also doesn’t have to be scary. Your therapist should listen to any concerns or hesitation you may have about a topic or approach, and should not pressure you to talk about things that you are not ready to share.
A good therapist will also ask for feedback: “How did you feel about last session?” “Was that technique helpful?” “What would you like to work on next?”
With that in mind, you’ll want to find a therapist that you feel comfortable with, and they should never disrespect you or disregard your experience. That’s a big “red flag” in therapy.
You can find a list of other things to look out for here:
https://www.sondermind.com/resources/what-a-therapist-should-not-do
I believe it’s important to educate yourself on what a therapist shouldn’t and shouldn’t do, know your rights as a client, and remember that you get to decide what’s working and what’s not working for you.
Finally, there are many forms of therapy out there, including art therapy, movement-based therapy, solution-focused, and strength-based. With a bit of time and effort, you can find the approach that works for you.
I’m a licensed mental health counselor in Southeastern Ohio. I take a holistic view of mental health that incorporates spirituality, relationships, mindfulness, and mind-body connection.