Most of us are willing to seek professional help for physical ailments, be they high blood pressure, diabetes, broken bones, allergies, or other medical issues. But when it comes to a broken or wounded heart,
many of us hope and pray that our problems will go away on their own. We settle for talking to our friends, or watch Oprah for solutions. Although we may be struggling for long periods, we’re still reluctant to reach out for professional help
“Going into therapy does not mean you’re going to end up in a scene out of a movie like One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. People go to therapy for millions of reasons, not because they’ve gone crazy”. –Larry, 45
Some feel that therapy is only for a severe crisis and they should be able to solve their problems on their own. Others fear that seeking help is an admission of inadequacy, a weak character or dependency. In fact, therapy can help you learn more about yourself, gain a new perspective, identify your strengths, as well as recognize and change destructive behavior patterns.
“A good therapist listens to you and your concerns and makes you feel safe and validated.” –Melissa, 28
Working with a licensed clinical psychotherapist is one of the most effective methods of overcoming chronic depression, fear, trauma and anxiety. It can help you break unhealthy behavior patterns that don’t serve you.
“I couldn’t dump all my problems on my best friend, after all she’s got her own life to deal. Paying a therapist was more effective because she was able to be totally honest with me…she didn’t have a personal stake in my issues.” –Stacey, 36
Unlike friends and family members, who are too personally involved in our lives to challenge our way of doing things, a therapist is a trained professional who will lend objective support, help you discover new solutions and assist you in exploring problems in a different way
If you answer yes to 2 or more of the following questions, therapy may be able to help you.
Do you suffer from depression?
Are you anxious and you don’t know why?
Do panic attacks prevent you from being your best self?
Is it difficult for you to think positively about your life?
Do you find yourself crying and being sure why?
Are you unable to stop shopping even when you have no money?
Is the television your most consistent friend?
Do procrastination and poor followup prevent you from accomplishing your goals?
Are you suffering from the effects of sexual and/or physical abuse?
Are you in a relationship that is physically or emotionally abusive?
Is your relationship suffering from the impact of infidelity?
Do you want to leave a relationship, but can’t seem to do it?
Do you lack the confidence you need to break out of a rut?
Are you the adult child of an alcoholic or substance abuser?
Are you considering marriage, but uncertain he/she is the right one?
Are you having difficulty functioning at work or making decisions?
Is your child having trouble adjusting or having difficulty concentrating?
Are your adult children not leaving home?
Do you have a hard time saying no?
Do you love someone who struggles with addiction?
Do you lack words to express your feelings?
Do you want to leave a relationship, but can’t seem to do it?
Do you lack the confidence you need to break out of a rut?
Are you the adult child of an alcoholic or substance abuser?
Are you considering marriage, but uncertain he/she is the right one?
Are you having difficulty functioning at work or making decisions?
Is your child having trouble adjusting or having difficulty concentrating?
Are your adult children not leaving home?
Do you have a hard time saying no?
Do you love someone who struggles with addiction?
Do you lack words to express your feelings?