When To Use Therapy

 

Therapy can be used for many different reasons.  It can be that life is a matter of ebb and flow and sometimes the ebb has become too much…you want to make life better for yourself…life feels difficult, just too hard and you need someone to talk to about it…you feel alone and need someone to walk the journey with you…you feel trapped, thinking there is no way to change your life for the better….you worry all the time and can't seem to find the answers…you need someone neutral, outside your own support system to help you make some major decisions in your life… the way you feel is affecting your sleep, your eating patterns, your job, your relationships, your everyday life….changes in your life have been difficult to handle and adjust to….your losses have been overwhelming and you feel as if you have no place else to go…you think that you want to make some adjustments as your life feels a bit out of balance...you need more towards developing your full potential.

The step towards professional help is a good first step towards things getting better.  As you make that first phone call you are already working towards change.  It is a step of strength within yourself to make the decision that you want some changes in your life.  Acting on this desire shows a commitment to listen to yourself and take some action towards what you need at this time in your life.

Therapy can be beneficial for a wide range of problems such as depression, anxiety, loss, parent-child concerns, marital strife, emotional distress, life coaching and increasing self esteem and self empowerment. It can help fulfill your desire for personal growth, self-improvement or fulfill the need to reach your fullest potential.

Below are some of the most common reasons for seeking help through therapy.

Emotional Well-Being
Because life happens, you may have times when you experience emotional pain that can disrupt your emotional well-being.  Sometimes this disruption can feel too severe and long-lasting, interrupting your ability to get through your daily activities optimally.  If you are experiencing sadness, overwhelment, loneliness, grief, loss, anxiety, sleep difficulties and/or low energy, therapy can help relieve these symptoms through looking at the core issues that are causing your emotional pain, working towards reinstating your emotional well-being.

Personal Growth
You may decide that you want to use therapy to help you to overcome obstacles that prevent you from reaching your fullest potential and becoming more of the person you want to be. Therapy can certainly be used to increase your understanding of yourself and others, as well as deepen your personal feelings of satisfaction about how you live your life.

Relationship Issues
Life is about relationships and at times your distress may be coming from relationship difficulties, whether it is from a relationship with your spouse, family members, work colleagues, or friends.  Therapy can be helpful in providing you with understanding, insight into the core issues, and the development of the skills to help improve the relationship.

Parenting Difficulties
Raising children can be overwhelming when we feel we have lost control of our child or cannot help our children to handle their own emotional distress.  Therapy can be utilized to enhance parenting skills, understand your child's struggles and empower you to handle the situation in a better way.  It can be helpful in providing your children with the skills they need to function in a more positive way in their environment.

Coping Mechanisms
There are times when our difficulties are associated with our coping mechanisms such as ineffective communication, trouble managing our anger, inability to say no when we need to,  or difficulty in modulating our emotions. Therapy can help clients learn or strengthen the skills needed that can enhance your life in many significant areas, making managing life much easier.

Loss
Although loss is a part of living life, it can be a very difficult experience and cause great emotional pain.  Therapy can be helpful in coping with this loss, reducing the emotional pain and increasing your strength to rebuild that part of your life.

Trauma, Violence or Abuse
People who have been victims of trauma, abuse, or violence often experience overwhelming feelings of anger, fear and/or helplessness.  Often this can significantly impair daily functioning.  Therapy is helpful in allowing you to have a safe, confidential setting with professional support as you develop coping skills to manage life while you work towards a full recovery from your trauma.

Sexual Problems
Sexual problems are very common and yet very difficult to discuss.  Therapy can be used to discuss these problems confidentially, allowing for understanding and guidance in overcoming sexual impairments.

Clinical Disorder or Condition
There are a number of disorders or conditions that therapy can be helpful in resolving.  These include depression, anxiety, eating disorders, attention deficit hyperactive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and bi-polar disorder.  Research has shown that the combination of therapy and medication will significantly improve the benefits of your treatment.   Therapy can be utilized before you start on medication to allow you the opportunity to resolve your difficulties without the use of medications, in conjunction with medication, or as support while you transition off of your medications.