Popular culture has created the idea that therapy is for people that have big TRAUMAS to need therapy. Most of us have not had events occur that could be documented in a Lifetime Movie. Does that mean we don't need any support? No. Plenty of people can function and still need support. You might not struggle getting out of bed, taking care of your kids, going to work, paying bills on time, meeting with friends, but you can still feel off or wrong. Just because you know someone who has "been through worse" doesn't mean your problems are insignificant. That could be from a major life event like a life change, a loss, a life threatening event or recent separation. Or it could be something you've been dealing with for decades but you have had a hard time distracting yourself from recently. It could be something you didn't think was a problem until a friend, boss, coworker, or partner brought it up.
It it's affecting or people around you in a negative way, it is worth discussing.
If someone you love has said to you, "maybe you should try therapy" or the idea of having a someone to talk things through that you won't run into in the grocery store or have your business spilled at the dinner table is where a therapist comes in.
The majority of people do not go to therapy long term. Seeing a therapist for a period of time in your life does not mean you will always need the help of a therapist. The goal is to give you tools and support to be able to stand strongly on your own two feet.
Depending on the frequency of therapy you choose to engage in, that could be achieved in a few months or it could take a little longer. Sometimes you come to therapy for problem one and realize problems two through six were hiding behind problem one the whole time. The goals is to look at each issue, address them, find out why they were there in the first place, and to work on ways to keep them from effecting you significantly today.
I can't give you a certain timeline guarantee or something like "three sessions and you will be healed or your money back" but I can say that the vast majority of people are in therapy for a period of time in their life, not the duration of their life. Some people choose to continue "tune ups" every month or quarter, but that doesn't mean you are signing on for something for the rest of your life.
In the same way that if you break a bone, you will likely have to go to physical therapy for a few months, you might need to engage in therapy to work on what hasn't been working for you. It is important you know you aren't broken for having to enter into this process and that any shame you feel about it is checked at the door. You are an investment and you are stuck with yourself for the rest of your life. I can help you get to a place where you view yourself with love and compassion, taking accountablity for behaviors that might have lead to unhealthy patterns before, and recognizing you don't need them today to function.
If you're interested in taking the next step click here.
Emma Price LCSW