Reasons to Consider Therapy
There are times when people meet with a counselor because they know exactly what issue they’d like to work on. In other circumstances, it can be a general feeling that is hard to put into words. Counseling is often very helpful when going through a relationship or other significant life change — these situations can force us reevaluate our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Counseling can be an immensely helpful investment during times of change or uncertainty.
At other times, the reason for seeking therapy may be difficult to label, but result more from discomforting feelings or a long-lasting sense of stress. Turning to psychotherapy for personal growth and self-discovery is a reason to interview therapists as well.
People frequently benefit from counseling when they are looking for assistance in dealing with:
- Depression – feelings of sadness, worthlessness, post-partum struggles
- Anxiety – feeling worried or overwhelmed
- Communication problems in a personal relationship, at work, or with family
- Relationships
- Anger management concerns in men or women
- Self-esteem
- Grief and loss issues
- Life transitions
- Persistent loneliness
- Parenting styles or discipline skills with children
- Children struggling to master developmental hurdles at school, at home, or with peers
- Setting healthy boundaries and limits
- Career directional questions or problems at work
- Spiritual issues
- Feeling empty or not feeling anything
- Panic attacks, fear of dying, trouble driving or leaving home
- Domestic violence
- Trauma or abuse recovery
- Addiction – whether alcohol, marijuana or the Internet
- Difficulties within a dating or married couple
- Premarital counseling
This is a long list of reasons to consider therapy, but your individual situation will vary. There are times when your internal weather — your thoughts and feelings and behaviors — may not fit neatly into a category but may be very much worthwhile to invite someone to work with you. Research demonstrates that two minds thinking, feeling, and talking together have a way of bringing healing and insight that can lead to real personal growth and an improved quality of life.
