Why Start Therapy?

This blog answers the question: why start therapy? You may be someone who is skeptical of therapy. The stereotype is that therapists simply sit across from you, nod their head, and charge you a couple hundred dollars.

 

You may believe that no one can really understand you or your past. You’ve built up walls due to trauma, and don’t see any benefit in opening up and being vulnerable again. Maybe the idea of having a therapist makes you feel like you’re weak or dramatic. (Which isn’t the case).

 

If you’re thinking about starting therapy, check out our blog on Therapy: Where to Start. It’s understandable to feel worried or scared about it. You don’t want to feel judged or misunderstood by your therapist, or others in your life. However, you know that it may be worth a shot.

 

Individual therapy in Simi Valley, CA goes at your pace. We value developing a trusting relationship and connection for the most progress in sessions. Make sure to read our blog on the 3 Benefits of Individual Counseling.

 

Why Start Therapy?: To gain a deeper understanding of yourself

It could be that you know yourself well enough. You know your interests, hobbies, your ideal type of partner, what you want to do with your life, hurtful or painful events in your life. There may already be good awareness around your triggers or knowledge of their effect on you. 

 

Therefore, you feel that therapy couldn’t teach you anymore about yourself. That your therapist will simply repeat the facts back to you, and it’ll feel like a dead end. However, therapy is quite the opposite of that. 

 

There is a lot more to uncover in sessions. A lot of “whys” and understanding connections. For example, you may behave or think certain ways in relationships or with yourself. This includes attachment styles, certain beliefs, and more. They exist, but you’re not sure why, and may have a desire to explore that.

 

Individual therapy in Simi Valley helps you dig deeper beyond the surface level. Check out our blog on 4 Signs to Start Therapy for Depression!

 

Why Start Therapy?: To learn how to cope with stressors

There are standard ways to cope with stressors recommended by physicians: drink water, get exercise, and eat a balanced diet. You have already incorporated these, or are actively trying to. What other coping strategies could you implement?

 

Depending on your emotional state of mind and behaviors, you and your therapist can create a list of strategies. Simple things you already do, such as listening to music or doing an activity, can be highlighted. You may find ways to implement these strategies more, especially when stressed. There may be other ways to cope that you haven’t thought of or tried out.

 

It’s possible that you also have a lack of healthy coping strategies.

 

You turn more to using substances to cope, such as drugs or alcohol. You know you’re struggling with depression, but are not ready to explore or accept that. Using these methods may make coping on a regular basis feel easier, although it’s not going to work long-term.

 

It’s unlikely that you’ll see results from individual therapy in just a handful of sessions. When your therapist truly gets to know you, and can help you get to know yourself, real change will happen. Read our blog on 3 Signs Therapy is Working.

 

Why Start Therapy?: To evaluate how things in your life contribute to your mental health 

There are things in your life that may feel normalized, and you’ve just accepted it. This could be a taxing job, toxic relationships, or unhealthy lifestyle choices. Although you are aware it brings you grief, you think, “Ah, it is what it is,” and continue to keep it around you. 

 

It’s easier to reside in our comfort zones, with things we are familiar with, than to make major changes. Things are predictable, and we know how to handle them if things go haywire. For example, you highly dislike your job, but you know how to get things done.

 

You may be in a toxic or unhealthy relationship, but you have known them for so long. There is awareness about how stressful it is on you, but you don’t want to be alone. You may believe that dealing with all the pain you’re experiencing will be manageable.

 

Whatever your situation may be, you don’t need to put yourself through things that cause you stress, overwhelm, insecurity, or frustration. There are choices you can make to live a happier, healthier life. You may need a therapist that can challenge you, to reflect and help you motivate yourself in making change.

 

It’s common for people to not believe in the efficacy of therapy. However, if you are curious, feel free to give us a call today for a free consultation. Starting therapy, or receiving treatment for mental health / substance abuse, is 100% your decision. And we’re here to help.

 

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. 

 

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.