Is Therapy the Right Choice for Me?
Everyone struggles with life from time to time. Most people juggle various demands—work or unemployment, family, studying, socialising, relationships, finances, health issues. But this doesn’t necessarily mean we all need therapy. However, when these struggles become overwhelming, and you can’t manage them alone, therapy may be the right choice for you.
Having support from someone who cares but isn’t emotionally involved in your pain, like a therapist, can be immensely helpful. You might have thoughts and feelings you hesitate to share with friends or loved ones, perhaps for fear of burdening them or facing judgment, rejection, guilt, or shame.
Sometimes the issue is simply too complex for the people close to you to help with. Therapy can provide a safe, contained space to explore, understand, and process your experiences.
Which type of therapy is for you is another matter altogether.
Another question to consider is which type of therapy might suit you best. How many therapist profiles have you seen mentioning terms like "psychodynamic," "Jungian," or "humanistic"? For many, these terms mean little. You may even try therapy only to feel it doesn’t work for you without understanding there are different types.
Maybe you met with a therapist focused on your subconscious or childhood experiences when you’re more of a practical, solution-minded person who seeks strategies rather than deep psychological exploration. Conversely, if you’re seeking self-understanding, you might feel unsatisfied with therapy that only emphasizes behaviour modification.
If talking feels challenging, you might benefit from a more experiential approach. Creative or body-based therapies may allow you to express yourself more easily helping you to make changes and heal.
Choosing the Right Therapist
It’s not only about finding the right type of therapy but also about finding the right therapist. A therapist who resonates with you is essential. Having an initial conversation before committing to a specific therapy type or therapist can save you money, time, and potential disappointment.
Consider how many coffee shops exist today—each one sells coffee, yet most people have a favourite or places they avoid. You could argue that a cup of coffee is just coffee, all brewed from similar beans. However, just as each coffee shop has its own style, so do therapists.
If you like your coffee strong and bitter and you have a therapist who provides mellow and sweet, you won’t be in a hurry to have another cup. I would urge you at this point not to give up on coffee altogether but try out different cups. Likewise, don’t give up on therapy altogether; try different therapists and approaches.
Is Therapy Worth the Cost?
That depends on your priorities. Here are a few questions to consider:
Do you feel dissatisfied or unhappy more often than joyful or hopeful?
Are you struggling to relax or sleep because of anxiety or constant rumination?
Do you find yourself focusing primarily on negative experiences, struggling to feel optimistic?
Have you noticed repeating patterns in your relationships that you want to change?
If you prioritise rest, joy, energy, positivity, and stronger connections, therapy is well worth the investment.
Making yourself a priority can lead to feeling more alive and better equipped to handle life’s challenges. If you’re not used to putting yourself first or doubt your worthiness, these may be signs themselves that therapy could benefit you. You deserve to invest in yourself.
For some, therapy might mean adjusting financial priorities. The benefits may not be immediately apparent, and you may question if it’s worth the time and money. Therapy is a life-changing, lifelong investment. Its value often extends far beyond the financial commitment—it's an investment in you.
So might therapy be right for you?
If your answer is yes, or even maybe, get in touch with me to book in a free consultation.
We can have a 15 minute phone call where you can ask me questions, tell me what you are looking for and we can both get a feel for if we are a good fit.
You can also look at my website to find out more about my approach to therapy and how I work.
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