The Destigmatization of Therapy
It’s a really cool time to be a therapist. People are excited about therapy and not afraid to let others know about it. Instead of therapy being seen as this thing that ‘only crazy people do’, therapy is now this thing that all kinds of people do and find value in. I’m loving it and so appreciative of everyone helping to destigmatize therapy! To those of you who aren’t on board yet, I want to talk about some of the reasons why I personally love therapy and how I find it to be beneficial in my own life (yes, therapists have therapists, too!).
Benefits of Therapy
Therapy offers a space without judgment
Ever wanted to tell someone about the feelings you had after that threesome or your shifting views on religion or those resentments against your parents that have been popping up? It’s hard to know how your mom or significant other or friends might respond to these things, but it’s your therapist’s job to respond without judgment. And with as many stories as they’ve heard in the therapy room, your desires, impulses, and feelings are more than likely not outrageous or crazy or judgment worthy to them like you think they are.
Therapy makes you feel normal
Therapists have a way of normalizing everything. It’s almost annoying sometimes. Sometimes you want to feel special or bad or wild and your therapist will tell you, “nah girl, I see this all the time.” Therapists are privileged to lots of different stories that the average person isn’t privileged to. They know how normal it is to resent your parents or cheat on your significant other or use illicit substances; they won’t be surprised by your story.
*If you like feeling special, therapy isn’t for you
Therapy gives you space to sort things out with an unbiased observer/facilitator
If you talk to your friends and family about some of the things you talk about in therapy, chances are, they will have an opinion about what you should do or how you should act (and they will make this opinion known). This makes sense because they are directly affected by some of the decisions you make. The great thing about therapists is that they don’t really benefit from trying to sway you in a certain way like those close to you may, so it’s easier for them to have an unbiased opinion on the situation. Also, most therapists will keep their opinions to themselves unless directly asked (and then maybe they’ll share what they think with you *if they think it will be helpful). Sometimes a space to process without interruptions or unsolicited advice is all you need.
Therapy helps you grow in self-awareness
You realize you’ve been perpetuating patterns of thinking and behaving because of beliefs you developed in childhood (or adulthood). You no longer say, “this is just the way I am” because for the first time, you recognize that you have a hand in choosing. You learn that you can believe differently and you can choose differently, which allows you to begin taking action towards change.
Therapy can help you get unstuck or think about things from a different perspective
With the self-awareness you gain in therapy, you begin to think about things differently. You begin to see that the hurt others have caused you came from a place of pain within them. You empathize with others as you recognize that we’re all doing the best we can with the tools we’ve got. You develop compassion for yourself as you acknowledge that you learned your behavior from others who were hurt and in pain. But, you recognize that you don’t have to continue the cycle of hurt. You see the alternatives you have and acknowledge that you have a choice in continuing a harmful pattern that leads to more pain or beginning a new pattern that leads to life.
Therapy is a place you can feel seen and heard
No interruptions. No one-upping. No fighting for space to speak. A place to share your true thoughts, desires, hopes and dreams. To have these things validated and honored. A place to share your deepest pains, fears, and worries. To have these things acknowledged and held. It’s a beautiful space full of wonderful possibility.
Interested in therapy?
I’m constantly overwhelmed by the work my clients do in and out of the therapy room and I’m totally inspired by the freedom, joy, and authenticity they gain through our work together. If you’re interested in seeing how therapy could open you up to new possibilities, schedule a first session with me! If finances are an issue, contact me and I’ll see if we can work something out. There’s no reason to hold off on finding more freedom, joy, and authenticity in life; do it today!