The truth about therapy is that it really works. We have all experienced stress, anxiety, sadness or depression at some point in our lives. These are human conditions to which no one has immunity.
Sometimes we are able to successfully navigate these issues by talking to a friend or family member, reading a self-help book or making some sort of change in our lifestyle.
However, these interventions are not always enough to resolve our struggles. And, we may find that our depression, anxiety or other stressors are increasing in their severity, at which point our health, relationships, job/school and sometimes our lives can become at risk.
Working with a therapist can help provide you with insight, support, and new strategies to best handle all types of life challenges.
There is nothing wrong with realizing you might need extra support dealing with emotional or behavioral issues.
Therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you’re at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy.
Scientific studies consistently show that behavioral and emotional interventions work as well, if not better, than medication in treating depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. I encourage anyone to consider therapy if you find your thoughts, feelings or behaviors are interfering with your ability to live the life you want.
A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks.
Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution.
The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
- Developing skills for improving your relationships
- Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
- Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
- Improving communications and listening skills
- Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
- Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
Therapy provides clients with a safe place to talk freely and process thoughts, feelings and behaviors. A therapist provides you an unbiased, confidential and compassionate environment to facilitate gaining insight and personal growth.
Therapists use scientifically proven techniques to help you set goals, track progress and measure results. Therapy is the most efficient way to overcome the emotional and behavioral issues that are keeping us from living the life we want.
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.
However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:
- Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety; however, if an individual does not cooperate then additional measures may need to be taken.
To determine if you have mental health coverage, the first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier. Check your coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:
- What are my mental health benefits?
- What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
- How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
- How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
- Is approval required from my primary care physician?