Popular Questions About Therapy

This article was developed via a partnership with BetterHelp.

Are you or someone you know considering therapy? Thinking about therapy can feel daunting and overwhelming. We often have many questions about our mental well-being such as: will this make me better? And we also have more logistical questions such as: does insurance cover therapy?

Women and men may not go to therapy because they have unanswered questions that they are too afraid to ask. The best way to prepare is by finding the answers to your most asked questions!

Learn why people need therapy, the importance of therapy, and how to choose the right therapist. By finally getting the answers you need, you can feel better equipped for your first therapy session!

Why Do People Attend Therapy?

People attend therapy for a variety of reasons. Many believe that you have to have a severe and concerning mental health disorder to attend therapy. While those with mental health disorders go to therapy, it is not limited to only them.

Individuals, couples, families, and children can go to therapy because of anything that is concerning to them. For example, a child who is having trouble with nightmares or an adult that experiences chronic pain. People attend therapy because they hope to alleviate inner turmoil and improve their overall well-being.

How Do I Know If I Need Therapy?

Is there something in your life that is causing you distress and it is making it difficult to live each day comfortably? This is how most people realize that they need therapy.

Individuals that can see a difference in their behavior and emotions use this information to gauge if they need therapy. If it feels laborious to manage your emotions and behavior this is a tell-tale sign that you need therapy.

Can’t I Figure It Out on My Own?

Many shy away from therapy because of the price, lack of time, and misinformation. People often think, “surely, I can figure this out on my own.” While many valuable resources are freely available, they can’t substitute for the work of a professional.

A therapist is trained and licensed to do their job and to do it well. After finding someone you can trust, your therapist can gift you with first-hand knowledge. Not only can they provide you with handy tools, but they also grant you a safe place to go. Having a professional to talk to in a secure setting is priceless.

How Do I Choose the Right Therapist?

Unfortunately, finding a therapist can take some trial and error. Some people can find a therapist for them right away and others try out multiple therapists first.

The first step in finding the right therapist for yourself is determining why you are attending therapy. Is it for couples counselling? Anxiety? A personality disorder? An addiction?

After determining your why, start your search! You can easily find countless options online with both good and bad reviews. Most therapists offer introductory pages about themselves, their education, and their specialty. Find someone who is well-educated and specializes in your area of concern.

What If I Am Too Embarrassed To Talk About Myself?

Therapists are trained to talk about all things that we may find embarrassing. These individuals have gone to school and become licensed to listen without judgment.

Most people find it easier to talk to their therapist the more they attend therapy. If you still feel too embarrassed or ashamed, consider starting small. You don’t have to unload your most hidden secret in the first session. Instead, tell of how you are feeling currently and the turmoil you are dealing with at that moment.

By starting small, you learn how to open up more and more. Similarly, the more time you spend with your therapist, the easier it is to talk with them about the things that cause you the most heartache.