Why Everyone Should Go To Therapy

I don’t know you. I don’t know your story or your past. I don’t know the heart break or confusion or conflict in your life. I don’t know if you’re having relationships issues that hurt and confuse and steal your joy. I don’t know if you’re struggling with your child and the role of parenthood has beaten you down. I don’t know the trauma or abuse or gut wrenching rawness you’re going through.

I don’t know you. But I do know something about you.

I know your story is worthy. I know you’re able to heal, to rise from the ashes and become the person you were created to be. I know that with a little support, you’ll be back on your feet and the frightening fog of inner distress will be lifted.

I’ve sat in the offices of five different therapists in my life time. I don’t seem the type to need a therapist. I don’t have any abuse in my past. I come from a happy home with loving parents. I’ve sat across from many therapists, waiting for me to unleash my supposed repressed memories of a painful childhood– but I just don’t have any.

But what I do have is this anxiety, this panic, this depression, that grips it’s long, jagged nails tightly into the walls of brain, making it hard to breathe or see straight or feel normal. The medicine made me sicker than my anxiety did, so I went to therapy instead.

I’ve sat across from all types of therapists. Male, female, old, young, black, white, free, professional, cognitive behavior therapists, counselors, talkative, quiet…the list goes on. I’ve had good therapists…and I’ve had very bad therapists. Recently, I found one that was perfect for me and my situation. 

But I’m here to tell you something important. There is NO SHAME in finding counsel, therapy, wisdom, support. There is NO SHAME in telling someone you meet with a therapist or counselor. There is NO SHAME in seeking help. There is NO SHAME in realizing you need an unbiased third party.

In fact, it’s the bravest thing you can do. The ultimate form of self-care. The champion of natural remedies. Opening up to a stranger is terrifying. But I’m telling you…it’s worth it. It is. You’ll find this version of yourself that you didn’t realize you had in you– one that is brave, and worthy of healing from emotions that gnaw at you.

Realize it is GOOD to talk about the wounds that haunt you.

An extremely dear friend recently told me that “All people could benefit from going to counseling. The smart people actually go.” 

Be a smart person. Take the first step. You can do it. It’s worth it. I promise.