If you’re on social media you may have noticed the multitude of therapy memes taking the world by storm, or you may know of someone who openly shares about their experiences with their therapist. Despite becoming a popular topic of discussion – especially among the younger generation – some may wonder who can benefit from seeing a professional, when to see one, and how often. We face many challenges in our lives and sometimes it is best to speak with someone who provides a non-judgmental and safe environment where we can process these challenges. In this blog we discuss the purpose of therapy and who can benefit from seeking help from a professional.
WHAT IS CLASSIFIED AS ‘THERAPY’?
Therapy is the process of meeting with a trained individual to resolve concerns and behaviours in your life. Some concerns may include relationship issues, mental health concerns and disorders, and family dynamics. Therapy can also be called psychotherapy or counselling. When you meet with a therapist, they will learn why you are attending therapy, concerns you have in your life, and what goals you’d like to set for yourself to resolve your concerns or issues. Counseling is a great way to problem solve with the help of a trained professional. A therapist should never force you to do something, nor should they tell you what to do, but they will provide you with the tools necessary to reach your personal goals and find healing.
TYPES OF THERAPY
Once an individual has decided they would like to seek counselling, there are several different options to choose from. Depending on your concerns, you may speak to a counsellor as an individual, in a group setting, or with your family. At Strength Counselling, in addition to providing family, group, individual, and couples counselling, we offer group therapy to support healing from co-dependency, fitness and nutrition support, life coaching, and breath control therapy. You can view a full list of our services here.
You may also choose to receive counselling in person or online. Online counselling allows you to communicate from home where you feel the most comfortable. Individuals who have mobility issues may seek online counselling for the ease of accessibility. For individuals who live in remote destinations, but have access to the internet, online counselling may be their only option.
No matter how you seek counselling, your relationship with your therapist is confidential and should always feel like a safe and nonjudgmental, compassionate space for sharing.
BENEFITS OF THERAPY
There are numerous benefits of seeing a therapist. Seeking counsel from a professional can greatly impact an individual’s mental health. Speaking to a trained professional can help you manage stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health concerns. An individual does not need to be experiencing or living with a mental illness to speak with a professional. For example, you may be seeking counsel for a life altering decision such as choosing a college major, entering a marriage, or experiencing a pregnancy.
If you are dealing with an extended period of anxiety or depression, a counsellor can provide you with coping mechanisms to improve your symptoms and overall mental health. Your therapist will suggest practices that they believe will work best for you based on their experience and your unique lifestyle. Journaling, meditation, exercise, and self-care are just a few options that they may suggest to improve your overall mental health.
Opening up to someone can be challenging but, once you become comfortable with your counsellor and learn to trust the process, you will start seeing both small and large improvements in your life. You may become more mindful of your emotions, your actions, and become more empathetic to those around you. You may start to see an improvement in your relationships, whether that involves a partner, a family member, a close friend, or even a coworker. Speaking with a counsellor can provide you with a healthier overall outlook on life and new perspectives that can spark transformative healing in your life.
CONCLUSION
With many different types of therapy available, no matter your reason for seeing a professional, there are benefits to speaking to a counsellor. Therapists want to help you. You may be their client, but they care about your healing journey and well-being and only wish the best for you in your life. If you would like to discuss mental health with our team or talk to a professional for more information, please contact us HERE.
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