Therapy Doesn’t Have to Be Terrible

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My doctor had been insisting since 2017 that I’d benefit the most from my medication for depression and anxiety if I also tried talk therapy. Honestly, I wanted to stomp my feet like a toddler and refuse. I’d rather do the dishes, fold laundry, or even binge on my daughter’s YouTube picks for an hour than step foot in a therapist’s office.

For years, I excelled at burying every uncomfortable emotion, so why change that habit now? I’m as resistant to change as your grandma’s sister who meticulously saves wrapping paper from birthdays because she lived through tough times. No judgment here—I might have a whole box of gift bags that I reuse for various occasions.

I totally get it. I know I’m not painting a rosy picture of therapy, but I want to share my thoughts because I understand every hesitation you might have. Trust me, I had them too. I convinced myself my issues weren’t serious enough. I feared the embarrassment of sharing my inner thoughts with a stranger. What if they thought I was insane? What if they said I was just being dramatic? Deep down, I realized my true fear: what if therapy couldn’t help me at all?

Exploring Therapy Options

There are countless types of therapy available, which can feel overwhelming. So, where do you even start? First, ask yourself: What do you hope to achieve through therapy?

I remember my first meeting with Dr. Sarah*. When she asked me that question, I was taken aback. Wasn’t it her job to fix me? Sorry to burst that bubble, but therapy doesn’t quite work that way. As therapist Alex Monroe pointed out, therapy is personal, and only you can determine your desired outcomes. Some individuals seek therapy to manage their mental health, while others want to learn anger management or simply stay grounded. There’s no wrong reason to seek help.

I finally agreed to therapy because my medication alone wasn’t providing enough support. Think of it like taking aspirin for a headache—it might ease the pain for a bit, but you need to address the underlying issue for lasting relief.

I hesitated because I had no idea what to expect. I worried I wouldn’t connect with my therapist. Each person’s comfort level with building trust varies. Some may expect an instant connection, while others might need a few sessions to decide if their therapist is the right fit. Personally, I spoke to one other therapist before committing to Dr. Sarah.

I vividly recall my first session with her. The new year was approaching, and I decided to give it a shot. My initial meetings were virtual due to the pandemic, and when tech issues arose, I panicked and nearly bailed. I thought it was a sign that therapy wasn’t for me. Yes, I can be a bit dramatic, but somehow, I found myself logging in again the following week. And you know what? It actually worked out.

Still Unsure?

While I believe therapy is just as crucial as any routine medical appointment, I’m not a healthcare professional. Here’s the thing, you don’t need to have faced a life-altering crisis to seek therapy.

During my conversation with Alex, he made an insightful point: “Therapy encourages you to live the life you’ve always desired. It may help you navigate through some of the darkest moments, but once you learn new skills and establish better boundaries and relationships, life can feel more fulfilling.”

There you have it—words from a therapist who understands both sides of the experience. I’m not here to pressure you into therapy; rather, I want to inspire you to pursue whatever will help you lead your best life. I hope by sharing my journey, I can offer support. Your hesitations about therapy are entirely normal, but don’t let that overly dramatic voice in your head hold you back. Each person’s path looks different, but we all deserve a happy life (not to be confused with perfection).

*Dr. Sarah’s name has been changed to protect my privacy.

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Summary

Therapy can often seem daunting, but understanding its potential benefits is crucial. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or just want to navigate life’s challenges more effectively, therapy can offer valuable support. It’s important to recognize that your hesitations are normal, and seeking help can lead to a happier, more fulfilled life. Don’t let fear hold you back from exploring this path.