Starting Therapy: Signs It’s Time To Begin.

It can be hard to know when it’s the right time to start therapy.

In today’s world, juggling various responsibilities and obligations can take a toll on our mental health. 

We strive to keep up with everything that’s going on around us, but sometimes, the pressure of it all can become too much to bear. 

This is why it’s important to prioritize our mental well-being and seek help when we need it. 

Starting therapy can be a daunting task, but it’s essential to recognize the signs that indicate it’s time to seek professional assistance. 

Whether it’s constant worry, overwhelming anxiety, or feelings of sadness or hopelessness, therapy can provide a safe space to address and manage these emotions. 

Read on to learn more about when it might be appropriate to begin therapy.

When should I start therapy?

Taking the first step to starting therapy can be a daunting decision. 

However, it’s important to remember that seeking support is not a weakness, but rather a proactive choice towards self-care. 

Everyone has their own unique journey and journey times to reflect on their mental health and well-being. If you’re experiencing any of the following signs, it may be time for you to begin therapy:

• Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness: If you’re feeling low, lacking motivation, or experiencing prolonged unhappiness, starting therapy can offer invaluable support to help you navigate through these challenging times.

• Overwhelming anxiety or excessive worry: When anxiety starts to disrupt your everyday life, impacting your relationships, work, and overall well-being, starting therapy can offer assistance in developing effective coping strategies and regaining control.

• Difficulty managing stress: When stress becomes overwhelming and begins to impact your physical and emotional well-being, seeking therapy can provide you with invaluable stress management techniques to enhance your overall health and well-being.

• Significant life changes or traumatic events: Significant life transitions, loss, or traumatic experiences can deeply affect our mental well-being. Starting therapy can assist in navigating these challenges and fostering the process of healing.

What are the signs that I need to start therapy? 

It’s very important to be able to recognize the telltale signs that starting therapy might be helpful. So here, we’ve put together a list of common indicators:

• Persistent mood swings: If you experience frequent and intense mood swings that affect your relationships and daily functioning, it may be beneficial to seek therapy. Therapy can help you delve into the underlying causes and cultivate skills for emotional regulation, promoting overall well-being.

• Isolation and withdrawal: If you notice yourself becoming less engaged in social activities, feeling disconnected from others, or struggling to form and sustain relationships, therapy offers a nurturing space to tackle these obstacles with support.

• Unhealthy coping mechanisms:When we find ourselves engaging in self-destructive behaviors, such as excessive alcohol or drug use, compulsive eating, or self-harm, it could be a desperate plea for assistance. Therapy can provide valuable support in uncovering healthier coping strategies to overcome these challenges.

• Unresolved trauma: If you’re grappling with the lasting impact of past trauma on your mental well-being, seeking therapy can be a vital step towards healing and finding resolution.

What should I expect at the first session? 

Attending your initial therapy session can evoke both a sense of anticipation and unease. Here is an overview of what you can expect:

• Building rapport: During the initial session, the focus is on cultivating a safe and secure atmosphere that encourages open conversation about your concerns. The therapist will inquire about your background, current challenges, and aspirations, seeking a comprehensive understanding.

• Confidentiality and trust: Confidentiality is a fundamental element of therapy. Your therapist will carefully outline the boundaries of confidentiality and prioritize your sense of security when expressing your thoughts and emotions.

• Goal setting: In with your therapist, you will work together to establish goals tailored to your therapy. These objectives will not only direct the course of treatment but also act as benchmarks to measure your progress along the way.

Why is therapy so effective at resolving mental health challenges? 

Therapy is an invaluable resource for effectively addressing mental health challenges, for a multitude of reasons:

• Professional guidance: Therapists are skilled professionals equipped with the expertise and techniques to assist individuals in navigating their mental health challenges. They offer personalized, evidence-based interventions tailored to each person’s distinct needs.

• Safe and non-judgmental space: Therapy provides a safe and welcoming space where individuals can freely express their thoughts and emotions with confidence. This valuable support encourages self-reflection, personal growth, and the process of healing.

• Skill-building: Therapy empowers individuals with practical skills and strategies to effectively navigate their mental health challenges. These invaluable tools can be applied not only during therapy sessions but also in everyday life, fostering lasting growth and well-being.

• Emotional support: The therapeutic relationship offers a precious wellspring of emotional support. Having a trained professional who genuinely cares about your well-being by your side can profoundly enhance the healing journey.

Identifying the telltale signs that signify the necessity for therapy marks the initial stride in reclaiming control of your mental well-being.

Whether you grapple with anxiety, or depression, or navigate through significant life transitions, embarking on therapy can prove to be a life-changing and empowering journey. It’s important to remember that starting therapy is a courageous decision that leads to increased contentment and a more fulfilling life.

If you have been asking the question “Is starting therapy a good decision now?” and if you resonated with any part of this post and you’re currently looking for a therapist to support you in treating it, we would love to be of support to you.

At Evergreen Counseling, we understand the importance of finding a therapist who resonates with you.

We invite you to take the next step toward your well-being by booking a complimentary 20-minute consultation call with us. 

Explore this website, reach out to us here or call us at 510-373-2723 to schedule your consultation.

References:

• American Psychological Association (APA): www.apa.org
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): www.nami.org
• Mayo Clinic: www.mayoclinic.org