Encouraging Someone to Start Therapy

This blog shares information on encouraging someone to start therapy. There may be a loved one in your life that you feel would benefit from counseling. You know that they have been struggling recently, whether with depression, grief, or trauma. However, you’re not sure how to approach this conversation with them.

 

They may be someone who is more resistant to opening up about their feelings in general. They may struggle with being vulnerable, and tend to avoid that. It could be that they’re distracting themselves from what’s going on. You don’t want them to feel that they need to struggle alone. Letting go of the silent suffering and accepting help takes time.

 

It’s understandable that this person may not be open to therapy at all. With that, there’s little you can do. You cannot go and sign them up against their will – they have to want it for themselves. Many factors influence perceptions around therapy. This includes cultural, social, and interpersonal reasons.

 

However, if this person is open to discussing it, here are some tips for going about it. Showing this person that you’re coming from a place of love and acceptance can make all the difference for them. We all need to feel supported, and voicing that can really help someone. You can show them that they don’t have to go through this alone!

 

Individual therapy in Simi Valley, CA holds sessions in-person. This provides you a private and focused space to discuss issues. Make sure to read our blog on First Time in Therapy: What to Expect.

 

Encouraging Someone to Start Therapy: Have a non-judgmental conversation about their feelings around it

First of all, how does this person feel about therapy in general? Has it crossed their mind before to find a therapist? Do they feel that they could truly benefit from therapy? What are some hesitations that are coming up for them? You want to hold that space for an open conversation around all of this. 

 

You might want to ask them questions, or say things, such as:

 

• Have you ever thought about seeing a therapist? Why or why not?

 

• Do you feel like no one would be able to truly understand you or your experience?

 

• What would it feel like to have someone you can trust with your vulnerabilities?

 

• I completely understand why you’re hesitant to start this process. It’s uncomfortable.

 

• I know there are distressing things building up inside of you. It’s got to hurt, carrying all of that alone.

 

• If you ever want to talk more about your feelings around therapy, I’m here for you.

 

Starting therapy is intimidating. You’re afraid of opening up to a stranger (at first) about deep dark secrets or feelings. These are things you wouldn’t typically bring to light and feel comfortable discussing. There may be a lot of shame or guilt attached to these issues, making it feel unbearable to talk about.

 

You may have had great experiences in therapy, or just believe in the potential benefits. There are ways to communicate your thoughts on it without pushing it onto them, such as saying:

 

• Confiding in someone with no ties to my personal life helped me feel safe.

 

• My therapist was experienced in my issue, so I felt very understood.  

 

• I’ve grown in [these] areas so much, I can’t imagine where I’d be without the support.

 

• I was scared of being judged too. But my therapist always made sure I felt safe sharing those things.

 

• I didn’t like feeling that I was weak or incapable by starting therapy. Now, I feel like it’s really just made me so much stronger. 

 

Working with a therapist in Simi Valley, CA opens many doors for self-exploration. Make sure to share our blog on How to Be Vulnerable!

 

Encouraging Someone to Start Therapy: Share how much you care about them

Depending on the severity of their issues, I’d take this section as general advice. It could be that your person is struggling, and not many people know about it. Or, they’re openly struggling, and a lot of people in their life are concerned.

 

It’s important to not surprise someone with an intervention-style approach. This may make them feel that they don’t have much autonomy in their decision making. Rather, opt for one-on-one time to share how you feel.

 

This doesn’t have to look like making time to only discuss this topic with them. You can show them how much you care about them through your actions. This could look like asking to just spend time with them. Offer some shared activities to show you’re thinking of them.

 

You can also tell people how you feel about them at any time. This could look like sending a simple text. Maybe you want to briefly call them up and check in with them. Or, there are videos or memes you can forward them that are relevant. 

Bottomline, you want to show your love and care for them. However you decide to show that is up to you. You don’t want to let up on reminders that you value having them in your life.

 

Alongside all of this, be mindful of what you take on for them. You want to encourage them to find their own designated support, alongside having you. Key word: alongside. Remember, this blog is just about encouraging them, not trying to convince them. If this person really isn’t open to it, it’s important to have your own personal boundaries. 

 

So, what are the next steps? If they’re open to trying, what’s a final step to offer? Starting therapy in Simi Valley is a great option; especially with our licensed therapists! Make sure to read our blog on How Therapy is an Investment.

 

Encouraging Someone to Start Therapy: Offer support in helping them get started

Navigating the therapy world can be entirely confusing and overwhelming. Especially if they’re getting started for the first time, it can be a lot. There are so many factors to consider when searching for a therapist. This includes fees, location, experience, availability, and more.

 

It can take trial and error to find the best fit for you. Prior to scheduling therapy sessions, they can expect to hold phone consultations with therapists. This is for them to ask any questions, and just get to chat about what’s going on. 

 

You can take the liberty of doing some research on their behalf. This looks like gathering referrals that they can plan to get in contact with. You can do this through word of mouth, online directories, or through online searches. Read the FAQs on the websites, and see what information you can get from that.

 

You can play a role in your person receiving the support they would benefit from. At the end of the day, it’s up to them to follow through, and if they want to commit to it. Just knowing that you’re doing what you can to support them is enough!

 

In-person therapy in Simi Valley is ideal for those seeking a separate, safe space from their home. Check out our blog on Online Therapy or In Office Therapy to understand what format is best for you. Another great blog to read is ours on if you need Therapy or Medication to address your issues.

 

By seeking out support, you can begin your journey to feeling relief. You don’t have to go through finding the right level of support alone, either. By clicking here, you’ll read our blog on Information About Simi Valley Therapists.

 

Consider calling our therapy group at (805) 774-1506 for a free consultation on how you or a loved one can get started today!

 

Seek out a validating, safe environment with us today. We will help you get to where you want to be. Our therapists provide trauma therapy, teen therapy, individual adult therapy, LGBTQIA+ therapy, anxiety therapy, depression therapy, family therapy, and more in-office in Simi Valley, CA.