Why do I need therapy when I’ve got friends?
Sometimes all you need is to talk about your feelings with a trusted person. If you are lucky enough to have that person, then therapy may not be what you need. However, sometimes friends and family are not able to provide the right support. Friends and family may want to give you solutions, because it is so difficult for them to see their loved ones in pain. Although well meaning, providing advice, or letting you know what you did wrong that led to your circumstances, is not helpful when you are struggling with difficult thoughts and feelings. Although friends and family can be a great support during a difficult time, here are some reasons why you may choose therapy instead of, or in addition to, the help of loved ones.
When dealing with personal, emotional or relationship challenges, if you are feeling stuck and the support of others did not result in lasting change, it may be time to consider professional help. A therapist can help you discover the reasons your efforts have not resulted in your desired change. It may be underlying thoughts and feelings getting in your way. In a safe environment, with the right questions, you and your therapist can uncover and address these thoughts and feelings.
Another time to turn to a therapist is when the issue is chronic or complex. A therapist will help you develop a comprehensive plan for change, including connecting you to additional services if needed. This plan will likely include ways to address your behaviours, feelings, and thinking patterns. It may also include relationship therapy to ensure your loved ones are supporting your change.
Finally, you may not be comfortable sharing your deepest or more intense feelings with friends or family. The most important job of a therapist is to create a safe space for you to peel off the layers to get to the root of the problem. Typically, solutions start to present themselves once those intense feelings are resolved.
A therapist’s job is not just to listen, and it isn’t to give advice. A therapist’s job is to ask you the right questions that can help you find your own answers. With a safe place and some work, meaningful and lasting change is possible. And that’s why therapy is worth the effort
