How do I know therapy is for me?
I can clearly remember booking therapy for myself for the first time. Even with a background in psychology, having spent years teaching students about some of the concepts behind talking therapies, I had thought therapy was something other people did, but not for me. It took me feeling overwhelmed and so in my head that I couldn’t connect with the world around me to decide to give it a go, and I am so glad I did. Having been through the experience, I believe that therapy has the potential to be of benefit to anyone, whether in helping you through a tough time or assisting you in learning more about yourself.
What makes people hesitate to start therapy?
So much of the stigma around mental health and accessing therapy is shifting in a positive direction, but many people still have questions about whether therapy is for them. They may feel embarrassed about the things that are affecting them, and not used to talking to anyone else about how they are feeling. For many people, they might not know how to put into words what is happening, or where to start. Sometimes, it is a fear of judgement that holds people back. On the other hand, many people hold back from starting therapy because they don’t feel like things are ‘bad enough’ for therapy. Below is some guidance to help you decide if you might be ready to give it a try
You don’t have to be in crisis.
You don’t have to have reached breaking point to benefit from therapy which helps you to reflect, understand yourself and feel supported. People begin therapy in a whole range of situations. For some that might be when they feel particularly stuck. For others, it might be impossible to tell from the outside that they are struggling internally.
You don’t have to know where to start.
Many of the clients I have worked with have struggled to know where to begin. You don’t have to know exactly what you are going to say in therapy, we can figure out how to get you started, together. Often, people find that new themes, topics and ideas emerge as they go through the process of therapy. Where we are going, how we are getting there, and what we will find on the way can remain to be discovered. There is no hurry to dive right in at the beginning. The most important thing is that you feel safe, comfortable and ready to begin, and we can take time to establish those feelings together.
You don’t have to fear judgment.
At the heart of good therapy is a strong therapeutic relationship between the counsellor and the client. This has been found in countless studies, regardless of the type of therapy that is taking place. You should aim to find a therapist who makes you feel accepted, cared for, supported and not judged. Meet with different counsellors until you find one who makes you feel all of these things - the therapist who is right for one person is not always right for another.
You don’t need to be certain.
You don’t have to know that therapy is right for you, or that this is the right time to start. An initial conversation might be the starting point, to help you think about whether you could work with a therapist, and whether you are ready to start. Curiosity will take you a long way in this process, and then finding someone you feel safe with will take you even further.
There is no obligation to commit to getting started with consulation calls. These provide a great way to discuss what you might bring to therapy and how the therapist works. If you are considering therapy in Leeds City Centre or online, please feel free to reach out and book in a free initial call here:
