Celia Zanayed, PsyD

Finding a therapist you feel comfortable with is one of, if not the most important factor in feeling better. Research has shown that the relationship between the therapist and patient is one of the biggest factors in determining if someone will improve with therapy. The only obvious exception to this is if you work with someone who is not qualified to work in the area you would like to work on. For example, I do not have the training to treat eating disorders so if this is your primary concern, I know I am not a good fit. Otherwise, the decision is up to you. When you are ready to make a change, or want help getting ready, therapy can lead to long-term life benefits.

Therapy looks different for everyone but the biggest ways I have seen therapy help is by freeing people from the idea that they need to do certain things or act a certain way in order to be accepted by others. The biggest transformations I have seen for patients has been when someone begins to act authentically in every area of their life. One of the ways this works is by setting boundaries with ourselves and others so we are able to feel more in control of our lives. Therapy can also be more specific. Sometimes it is helpful to have an objective person be there for us as we process a difficult event in our lives.