Fact Friday: Everyone Can Benefit From Therapy

When someone says that they're seeing a therapist, what is the first reason you think of? Do you think they're depressed or "crazy", or that they've got a lot of problems that they just can't sort out on their own?


Part of the stigma surrounding psychology is that many people believe that therapy is something used only when there is a crisis. Truthfully, although most people seek out the help of a therapist when they are dealing with a specific challenge, therapy sessions can be used both as a pro-active as well as reactive measure.

Taking steps to prevent problems before they can occur is even
better than trying to fix the problems after they have happened.

Think about it: people go to the doctor when they're sick, but they also go in for check-ups. The doctor can also recommend vitamins or other supplements to maintain or improve health, even though there may not be any illness that requires serious treatment.

Psychological therapy works similarly. Not only do people come into to see a therapist when there is a problem, they can also come in for "check-up" sessions. People who have worked with a therapist to overcome a difficulty make appointments to come in and talk about the progress they have made or any challenges that they may be facing on their journey to wellness.

Therapy can also be pre-emptive. Starting a new job or relationship can be both exciting and intimidating. A session with a therapist can help to overcome the fear and hesitation that someone may have and help them to settle into their new role.

"So you say you heard your owners talk about getting a cat?"

Therapy can also help with everyday stressors too. Are your children growing into adolescents and you're anxious about dealing the changes they'll soon start going through? Perhaps you want to start a new relationship with someone and you want to make sure your hurt and insecurities from previous relationships are dealt with. Maybe you have a heavy workload that makes you feel drained, exhausted and irritable? 

Now, this doesn't mean that you need to come in weekly to complain that your boss is a self-centered man-child. The aim of therapy is to be proactive rather than reactive, so that you can figure out healthy ways of coping with your boss' behaviour before you explode and tell him things that would make your mother ashamed of you.

See that pot spoon? Mummy is not impressed.

There is no need to be afraid of therapy, or to stigmatise it as something only "crazy" people need. Therapy is a useful resource that can be utilised as a support in times of crisis as well as in times of calm.