“This will change your life” seems to be the motto of all self-help books, courses, and workshops. We are lucky to have so much useful information in this golden-era of self-help. But it’s sometimes tricky knowing what kind of help we really need. While many self-help gurus and coaches can be very beneficial, sometimes we need healing that is enduring. Therapy doesn’t wish for things to be different or offer any quick fix solutions. However, in our need for instant gratification, therapy often gets overlooked. The majority of people who could benefit from proven treatments, end up trying to Band-Aid their pain with a book. Even worse, many keep it to themselves. So, in the spirit of advocating for your true healing, here are nine good reasons to go to therapy.
- It can change your brain and make you feel good without the hangover.
We often only think of medication as being able to change the brain. However, there is new evidence that therapy does the same. A recent study suggests that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) strengthens brain connections which lead to a long-term reduction in symptoms of severe mental illness, even 8 years later. Other research provides evidence that therapy can also rewire the brain’s reward center and alter the feel-good neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. Vices might be fun and make us feel good temporarily. But therapy can make us feel better without all of the negative consequences. - What is repressed must be expressed.
“Unexpressed emotions will never die. They get buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways.”- Sigmund Freud
Sometimes we go through something so painful or traumatizing that we simply cannot help but repress some of our emotions. However, if we continue to suppress instead of dealing with our feelings, it becomes too much to contain and we eventually explode. It’s even worse if we internalize these feelings into negative thoughts and ideas about ourselves. Regardless, when you avoid dealing with these feelings, they inevitably rise from the dead and come back to haunt you. - Even Jay Z talks about his therapist.
Okay, I know you won’t go to therapy because Jay Z mentioned it in a rap song. I just want to make sure everyone got the memo that there’s no shame in taking care of your mental health. We hear, “my therapist said” so much that it has become a modern idiom. Celebrities like Emma Stone, Lena Dunham, Kerry Washington, Minka Kelly, Jennifer Anniston, Halle Berry, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Gardner openly talk about how much therapy has helped them change their life. With all of the stress of modern day life and anxiety-inducing news headlines, it’s good to know that at least it has become easier to admit when we are sad, scared, or want help- sans judgment. - Everybody needs some objectivity sometimes. (Trust me, friends and family are not the ‘somebody’ that can give this to you.)
Our friends, family, and S.O. are hopefully great at listening and being supportive. Unfortunately, the people closest to us cannot offer objectivity because they are too close to the relationship. It sounds simple, but it can do wonders to have a trained, objective person tell you that you’re not alone and there is nothing wrong with you. - It’s not like working out – it can be short-term and you can usually see immediate effects after only one session.
Many studies suggest that most improvement happens in the first 20 sessions. Another study published in 2006 in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology found that 88% of people notice improvement from the first session. Some individuals might need a more extended treatment plan depending on their goals and symptoms. However, if you have been in therapy for more than 20 sessions and have not noticed any benefit, you should talk to your therapist about your goals and perceived length of treatment. - It’s the gift that just keeps giving.
In a 2010 article, Johnathan Shedler says, “people who receive psychodynamic therapy actually continue to improve after therapy ends – presumably because the understanding they gain is global.” In other words, insights and new perceptions gained in therapy apply across situations, relationships, and environments. In other words, self-therapy picks up where actual treatment left off. Allowing you to cope and deal with any future stressors or setbacks. - Therapy is now affordable.
While some therapists might not take your insurance, you can always submit a Superbill for partial reimbursement through your PPO. Some therapists work on a sliding scale and are willing to go down to the fee you can pay. There are also many group practices that will take clients for low rates and online forums that offer affordable therapy. However, the cost should be worth it when you find the right therapist. - You can finally drop the baggage and let go of the past for good.
Memories, traumas, exes, and regrets can linger in our minds and hearts for months, years, even decades. When we have a hard time letting go and forgiving ourselves or others, it can make it difficult to start new relationships, succeed in our careers, and have the self-acceptance and confidence it takes to be happy in life. Studies have suggested that Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) is successful at rapidly and efficiently decreasing negative emotions and disturbing memories. It is possible to clean the slate and live life with peace of mind and a greater sense of wellbeing after only a few sessions. - Mental wellness can create a positive ripple effect on your health, work, and relationships.
Depression, anxiety, and trauma can cause pain as well as a myriad of physical symptoms affecting sleep, appetite, and energy. Some people are not even aware that their mental health is the root of their physical ailments. However, EMDR, CBT, and traditional psychotherapy all demonstrate evidence they are successful at treating chronic pain, migraines, increasing immune functioning, and improving physical symptoms overall. People also find that they are more successful at work when they can let go of negative thought patterns and emotional distress. Furthermore, once you begin to gain clarity and increase self-acceptance, it becomes easier to see others clearly and accept them for who they are. Most of my clients are amazed at how just a few new insights can improve their relationships.
Deciding to pour your heart out to someone can be scary and overwhelming. However, finding the right therapist and investing in your wellbeing can pay off in dividends.
If you’re currently looking for a therapist, check out this article