I've wanted to see a therapist for a while, but I'm afraid they're going to tell me what I already know. Is it still worth giving therapy a chance?
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Yes, it’s definitely worth giving therapy a chance. Therapy is about the therapeutic relationship and connection. This is why people may be frustrated about the lack of change in their behaviors after reading a book or doing research. How many of us have looked on youtube for specific exercises to target certain muscles, areas of the body? Just as you may benefit from working with a trainer to guide and create a workout that caters to your needs, you may also benefit from the guidance of a therapist for your own mental health process.
Therapy is about catching and validating blind spots in a non judgmental space where you can feel safe to express your thoughts and feelings. It gives space to allow things to surface that may have been repressed. In therapy, you will “work out” specific “muscles” under the guidance of a mental health professional who you trust. This is why there is so much emphasis on finding the “right fit” when it comes to therapy. Therapists have different educational backgrounds, theoretical orientations, and areas of expertise. Everyone has different needs and wants and that is reflected in what they he/she/they may need from a therapist. Therapy, like the gym, can be a healing, sacred space if we allow it to be.
If you’re still afraid that your therapist will tell something you already know, let your therapist know how you’re feeling! The therapeutic relationship reenacts interactions that we have outside of the session room. Inform them that you are afraid that he/she/they may tell you what you already know. This is what therapy is for. Your therapist is not afraid of your feelings.
Kathryn Lee
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