Rewriting the Script of Anti-Therapy Rhetoric
For many people, therapy is a bad word. For some, it’s cultural. My people don’t do therapy. For others, it’s learned. They saw a loved one or friend who might have benefited from therapy who didn’t seek the help they needed, and they decided that meant therapy wasn’t necessary. In many cases, it’s as simple as the way therapy is presented in the media makes me think I don’t need it. Wherever the negative view of therapy stems from, these thoughts can stick with us and prevent us from getting the help that we need and deserve as we navigate through all of life’s challenges. In this blog, I’m going to dismantle some of the anti-therapy rhetoric I hear.
I Can Manage Things on My Own
There are few beliefs more harmful than the one that says I need to, should, or must do everything on my own. Even the most independent and successful people need to develop a reliable support network. For some, that may include a therapist who can help when people are having a tough time working through a problem, developing and sustaining relationships, or in any other area of their person or professional lives.
This Is Private & I Shouldn’t Talk About It
There’s an Alcoholics Anonymous adage that I think applies to everyone not just those who struggle with substance use disorders. The adage states, “We are only as sick as our secrets.” Let that sink in for a minute. That doesn’t mean that every detail of our lives should be shared with everyone. Instead, it means the things we feel ashamed of or that we should keep hidden are often the things that adversely impact our lives for as long as we protect them. Therapy can help you share your thoughts and worries in a safe and non-judgmental space, so you can process them and alleviate the negative impact these thoughts and feelings have on your life.
Only Really Broken People Need Therapy
As a therapist, I work with people who are having a difficult time. Those who have reached a point of crisis. I also work with people who are improving their coping skills, learning to set better boundaries, going through life transitions, and other challenges we all face on a regular basis. Therapy is versatile enough to provide necessary support for people experiencing a range of difficulties not just those who have been through extreme situations and those who have specific diagnoses.
I Don’t Have Time
We are all busy. I’m a therapist. I know the benefit of this resource, but I can still find myself struggling to make time for therapy. It’s an easy trap to fall into, especially this time of the year with the holidays quickly approaching. I find that people who make time for therapy are often better at holding space for the things in life that are deserving of their time and saying no to the things that aren’t going to benefit them or their loved ones in the long-term. Therapy is a great place to develop a better sense of priorities and set boundaries to keep the things that matter at the top of your to-do list.
It Won’t Help
Whether you feel like you’re at rock bottom, you just want to plan ahead of a difficult transition, or anything in between, therapy can be a beneficial resource. Many people think that therapy won’t help them. Either they’ve heard from loved ones or friends who’ve been to therapy that they didn’t get anything out of it, or they grew up in a culture where therapy just wasn’t considered necessary. Whatever the case may be, the idea that therapy isn’t helpful has stuck with them. If this sounds familiar, consider some of the ways that therapy can help improve your day-to-day life:
Reduced anxiety
Increased self-esteem/self-worth
Improved coping mechanisms
Strengthened relationships
Better communication strategies
If any of that sounds like it would be beneficial for you, I hope you’ll consider working with me. I’m Ashley Pichardo, a licensed mental health counselor serving clients in New York and New Jersey. If you’re interested in getting started, please feel free to call (917) 522-1418, email contact@apichardotherapy.com, or complete my online scheduling request form.
