Having a fit and healthy state of mind is as important as physical fitness and so there are many ways everyone can benefit from therapy. Similar to how we visit doctors for physical illnesses, therapists care for and treat a person’s mental health.
Most of us have a very limited understanding of when therapy becomes a necessity. We assume that therapy is only for those who are navigating their way through major life changes. Or for those who have a life crisis to deal with.
In reality, you don’t have to wait until your life is crumbling down before you get in touch with a professional.
As you might know, I am a bestselling author of psychological books on mastering happiness like The Bounce Back Book.
Plus I founded a groundbreaking video course called The Anxiety Cure.
I love sharing insights and strategies to help people to overcome their challenges and live their best lives.
With this in mind I put together this quick guide on ways everyone can benefit from therapy.
What is Therapy?
Also called counseling or psychotherapy, therapy is the process of discussing small or big problems you may face in life—such as problematic behaviors or relationships crises—with a trained professional called a therapist.
The therapy process varies for every individual, and no definitive method works for everyone. However, the fundamental goal remains the same – your therapist will encourage you to work toward a solution by helping you understand the problem and its triggers.
People with mental health issues might be unsure of speaking to a stranger, especially if that conversation has to revolve around their problems. Others might find it difficult to open up to a therapist and might want to switch.
Regardless of what the issue may be, it is important to mention here that there are thousands of therapists out there. And every therapist has expertise in different areas of psychology and psychiatry. With a little research and good advice, you can find someone who fits your criteria of requirements.
If you’re still unsure, you can book a consultation and test the waters first. Services like Firefly Therapy Austin allow you to fill out a short form before contacting you and guiding you through the process. This step is easy because it requires absolutely no face-to-face communication.
Once you fill out the form, a team of professionals will be ready to book you in for your first consultation. From here on out, you will have a clearer understanding of the kind of therapy you require.
What Does a Therapist Do?
Defining what a therapist does is not simple. It is a very broad term used for individuals who have been professionally trained to offer any sort of rehabilitation. Psychologists are sometimes also referred to as therapists, and sometimes, the title can apply to providers of other services as well—life coaches, social workers, and numerous others.
In simple terms, a therapist is someone who takes a walk inside your mind, notices the messy thoughts, and helps you organize them effectively. If you’re worried about being judged, know that therapy is a safe space and anything you discuss or share with your therapist remains confidential. This is the most important aspect of therapy.
Is Therapy For Everyone?
With how much the world demands from us every single day, it is difficult to prioritize our mental health. This leads to an obstruction in figuring out what stands in the way of our happiness. Or simply, what’s stopping us from being the best possible version of ourselves?
Despite no obvious life crises, anyone can benefit from therapy and discover their best self. Here’s how!
Establishing a Sense of Self
It’s easy to become numb to daily life problems when hours seem to pass by in a blur. You can become desensitized to events that might harm your mental health. It may seem small at first, but over time, minor incidents can prove to be heavy on your well-being. This is why self-awareness is important, and a big part of most therapy sessions.
Talking to a professional allows room for discussing things from your past that you might not have let go of. Bringing these issues to light can help you realize where you need to make amends and face future problems head-on.
Establishing a sense of self also stops you from exhibiting passive-aggressive behavior, allowing more room for self-improvement.
Boosting Physical Health
Have you ever gotten a headache when stressed? Or experienced an upset stomach after anxiety-triggering situations? Or turned to emotional eating to feel better and eaten in an unhealthy way? Mental health issues can often manifest in physical forms if not treated properly.
The body and mind are one unit. One cannot work properly without the other. Studies show that there is a connection between physical symptoms and the recurrence of mental health problems. Treating mental health issues can help decrease the risk of life-threatening conditions such as diabetes and strokes.
A disturbed psychological state can come in the way of living a healthy life. With more time spent worrying about your health, you can’t live life to the fullest. Both physical and talk therapy can help with this. From introducing physical mindfulness to providing a space to talk about things that cause stress in daily life, therapy equips you with solutions and strategies to deal with these physical symptoms.
Entering a Non-Biased and Non-Judgmental Zone
How many times have you hesitated to discuss personal problems with friends because of the fear of being judged? Or how many times have you mustered up the courage to talk about relationship problems, only to be told ‘just break up’?
While opening up to close friends and family is beneficial, it can also lead to biased solutions. These solutions can also come in the form of dishonest feedback.
A therapist is someone who remains neutral regardless of what you tell them. Their professional training allows them to carefully analyze a situation from both ends before coming to a conclusion.
You don’t have to worry about receiving the wrong solutions or your problems becoming talk of the town when talking to a therapist. They believe in full confidentiality and devise strategies only for your betterment.
Becoming the Focus
Therapy is the one circumstance where you don’t have to worry about making the conversation all about yourself.
In fact, in ideal therapy sessions, you should be the focus of your therapist. Instead of worrying about those around you, therapy gives you a chance to vent your heart out without being interrupted. The more you discuss your problems, the better understanding your therapist will have of your thoughts and behaviors.
Taking the time to open up about your emotions will leave you with a clear mind that is ready to take on anything.
Viewing the World from a Different Perspective
“Your worst enemy is yourself.” This statement is true when you only focus on the problems and negative aspects of life by overthinking or putting yourself down by blaming yourself.
Perhaps the most important benefit of therapy is that it gives you a new perspective. You can step out of your previously perceived selves and gain insight into a more realistic and rational reality.
A new perspective on life can help you be more positive. It helps you become more rational when dealing with otherwise stressful and negative situations in our workplaces or homes.
To Wrap it Up Therapy Benefits
Despite being stigmatized, therapy has multiple benefits that allow you to lead a healthier life both physically and mentally. Additionally, therapy also provides practical solutions to dealing with everyday life problems. Don’t wait for a crisis and get in touch with a mental health professional right away to change your life for the better.
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P.S. Before you wander off to whatever’s next, here are 2 things that will help you get more out of this wild ride called life:
1. Explore My Book: "Your To Die For Life: How to Maximize Joy and Minimize Regret Before Your Time Runs Out." It's just the tool you need to pry more joy, love, meaning and fulfillment out of your life. Curious? Learn more and snag a copy here.
2. Life Review Therapy - This is a coaching session where we get real about where you are, where you want to be, and why you haven’t gotten there yet. We’ll dig deep into what’s working, what’s holding you back, and how to create more joy, love and fulfillment moving forward. If you’re ready for actionable steps and real results, book a free consult call here.
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