Should I Start Psychotherapy? 9 Questionable Excuses - Quality Of Life, Self-development

2023 Author: Oswald Adamson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 20:18

There is nothing unusual about your fears. It is completely normal to be in doubt before starting therapy. People are often worried about what awaits them in the process

Sometimes this is due to a variety of myths prevalent in society. Let's look at some of the most common therapy thoughts that might keep you from seeking help.

1. I'm not all that bad

Often people think that it is necessary to see a therapist only as a last resort and if you have really serious problems. Everything is correct. But consider another idea - the sooner you seek support, the sooner you start to feel better, the faster you can see progress. Why wait until things get really bad and create additional difficulties for yourself?

2. I have to deal with my problems on my own

With a physiological illness, you no doubt seek medical help. And a psychologist or psychotherapist who has received specialized training can help you understand and solve problems related to your emotional life. Working through problems in therapy often builds skills that stay with you and lead to greater confidence in yourself and in life in general.

3. If I go to therapy, is it permanent?

No! The frequency and duration of therapy are discussed between the psychologist and the client and ultimately determined by the client. Different approaches to the duration of therapy can be useful to you depending on your individual requests, goals and needs - from short-term consultations to long-term therapy or psychoanalysis.

4. I have to share hidden thoughts

It is useful to remember that it is you as a client who decide what and how much to share with the specialist. Ultimately, you are the one who sets the pace for therapy. Your psychologist should guide the process in a way that makes you comfortable. This collaborative work leads to the building of a trusting client-therapy relationship and positive therapy outcomes.

5. I will feel judged

People are often very vulnerable when they talk about their feelings. They worry about what the therapist will think or feel about it. However, your therapist is not meeting with the intention of judging you. Its purpose is to listen carefully to you and invite you to see the situation in a new way.

If you are worried about possible judgment, it is important to discuss this with your therapist. Then your feelings will be understood and nothing will stop you from receiving full help.

6. I am afraid that later I will not be able to do without a therapist

Let's clarify the situation. The goal of therapy is not to develop a dependent relationship between client and therapist. In fact, the therapeutic relationship involves collaboration.

Over time, clients find that their mastered ways of understanding and feeling become tools that can be used independently of the therapist.

When therapy ends, the person should feel confident that he can now independently manage his emotional life. And trust in this regard yourself and your ability to cope with problems and make decisions.

7. If I voice a problem, I will have to solve it

This is not the point. There is a difference between thinking and doing. For example, you might come to therapy to solve relationship problems. When you share your experiences with the therapist, you may feel anxious. As if admitting negative feelings towards your partner will force you to break up with him.

In fact, by talking to the therapist, you can look at the situation from a different angle and / or find additional options that were not previously obvious.

8. I'm worried about what I might find out about myself

One of the benefits of therapy is an increase in professional and personal life satisfaction. The unknown in oneself most often interferes with happiness and success. Knowing fully about themselves allows people to have better control over their lives.

Share with your therapist that you are worried about possible unpleasant discoveries in yourself. Then he will be able to take this into account in his work and will not rush and push you. Ultimately, you are the one who determines what to focus on in therapy.

9. If I'm in doubt, maybe it's not worth starting?

There are often mixed feelings about starting therapy. Our instincts force us to stay away from unpleasant thoughts and feelings. Your indecision before starting therapy may indicate your inner resistance to learning new things about yourself.

Give yourself time to reflect on this. This will allow you to direct your energy towards getting the benefits of therapy, rather than pushing away difficult emotions.

Contraindications to psychotherapy

There are few of them, but non-compliance with these prohibitions can lead to unpleasant consequences for both the client and the therapist.

1. Exacerbation of severe mental illness.
2. Severe organic diseases of the nervous system.
3. Mental retardation of moderate and severe degree.
4. Alcohol or drug intoxication.
5. Lack of client's desire (if relatives insist on visiting a psychotherapist).