Everybody experiences low moods, stress, and setbacks once in a while. Although most people usually bounce back from these challenges, there are times when you might need a little more support. In these times, you might find yourself wondering, “Do I need therapy?”
Also called psychotherapy, talk therapy is considered a first-line treatment for a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorders, and more.
But therapy can benefit almost anyone — not just people with diagnosed mental health conditions. Working with a mental health counselor can enhance your mental well-being, improve your self-awareness, and boost your overall quality of life.
Do I Need Therapy?
There’s no definitive way to test whether you need therapy or not, but there are quite a few things you can consider.
There are many reasons why someone would need to — or at the very least, benefit from — speaking with a mental health professional, according to Joshua Goldman LCSW, a licensed therapist.
Therapists usually do an assessment in the first session. From there, they can recommend whether therapy could be helpful for you.
Therapy is considered a helpful treatment for numerous mental health concerns, including:
- Anxiety disorders
- Eating disorders
- Mood disorders (including depressive disorders and bipolar disorder)
- Postpartum mental health conditions
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- Substance use disorders (addiction)
But you don’t need to be diagnosed with a mental illness in order to benefit from therapy.
The American Psychological Association (APA) says that you can ask yourself the following two questions while considering therapy:
- Is the problem distressing? For example, do you spend a lot of time thinking about the issue? Has it reduced your quality of life?
- Is it interfering with some aspect of your daily life? For example, has it affected your ability to function, socialize, or work? Do you rearrange your lifestyle to accommodate the issue?
If your answer to either of these questions is yes, it suggests you could benefit from therapy.
A clear indication that someone should consider therapy is when they find themselves consistently struggling with overwhelming emotions, persistent challenges, or disruptions in their everyday functioning.
- Joshua Goldman, LCSW
Your healthcare practitioner might suggest therapy if you have physical symptoms that could have a psychological cause. Mental health issues can affect your physical health, manifesting as pain, headaches, changes in sleep and/or changes in appetite. If you have physical symptoms, it’s important to first see a doctor or another healthcare professional, as they can help determine whether your symptoms are caused by an underlying physical condition.
Goldman also points to some signs that you may benefit from therapy. “A clear indication that someone should consider therapy is when they find themselves consistently struggling with overwhelming emotions, persistent challenges, or disruptions in their everyday functioning,” he says. “If someone notices a recurring pattern of difficulties in managing stress, relationships, or navigating life transitions, therapy can absolutely be a valuable resource.”
Another sign that you should go to therapy is if a loved one says they’re concerned about your mental health. If others have suggested you need professional help, it’s worth considering.
Even if you’re not currently facing a mental health crisis, therapy is worth trying. “A desire for personal growth, deeper self-awareness, or a need for effective coping mechanisms are strong signals that therapy could offer meaningful support and guidance,” Goldman says.
When you work with the right therapist, therapy could help thrive — not just survive — through challenging times.
Is Therapy for Everyone?
You may have heard the refrain that everyone needs therapy — but is this true?
“Therapy absolutely has the potential to be for everyone,” Goldman says. He even points out that therapists benefit from going to therapy themselves.
“However, some people might feel that they are not in the right mindset for therapy, and that’s okay. It’s essential that someone be open to the process and willing to explore their thoughts and emotions for it to be truly effective.”
In other words, if you don’t feel ready for (or comfortable with) therapy, you shouldn’t push yourself just because you feel obligated to go.
Also, while many people continue to go to therapy their whole lives — either continuously or on-and-off — others prefer short-term therapy. You might also reach a point where you no longer feel that therapy is necessary for you.
“If someone has previously been through therapy and feels equipped to continue their personal development independently, that’s a valid choice,” Goldman says.
What are the Benefits of Therapy?
The APA reports that about 75 percent of people who participate in talk therapy experience some benefit. Understanding these potential benefits can help you figure out whether you should go to therapy.
A mental health professional can help you by evaluating, diagnosing, and treating mental illnesses and behavioral problems.
A diagnosis can help you:
- Access accommodations for work or school
- Access mental health benefits through your health insurance plan
- Find a community of others with similar concerns
- Begin a journey of healing and growth
Therapy is considered a first-line treatment for almost every mental health condition. But in addition treating mental health, therapy can help you:
- Improve your self-esteem
- Develop new insights about yourself
- Make healthier choices
- Build resilience
- Change harmful thinking patterns
- Work on certain skills (like communication or anger management)
- Address relationship issues
- Cope with stress in a healthy way
- Address negative thoughts and self-talk
- Navigate life challenges
Therapy can enhance your quality of life by equipping you with the skills and confidence to navigate challenging experiences, manage conflict, and make healthy choices. This can improve almost all aspects of your life, from your relationships and work performance to your overall happiness.
“Having someone with the training and knowledge to help explore your thoughts and feelings can be liberating, validating, enlightening, and make you feel like you are not alone in what you are going through,” says Goldman. “Whether you are struggling with mental illness, going through a difficult life situation, looking for personal growth, or just wanting someone to talk with, therapy can be an excellent resource and support.”
What Should I Expect from Therapy?
Meeting with a therapist for the first time can be nerve-wracking, whether you’ve done therapy before or are changing to a new therapist. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare for therapy.
The first therapy session is usually called an onboarding session or intake session. During this session, you’ll usually explain what brings you to therapy and discuss your goals. Your counselor will explain their approach to the therapeutic process.
While every mental health professional has a different approach to counseling, Goldman says that the subsequent sessions typically involve establishing goals, continuing to grow the therapeutic relationship, and empowering you to make positive change.
Your counselor’s approach will depend on which therapeutic modalities they use. There are many different types of therapy, including:
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
- Exposure therapy
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR)
- Humanistic therapy
- Interpersonal therapy
- Mindfulness-based therapy
- Psychodynamic therapy
- Solution-focused therapy
- Trauma therapy
Many therapists also take an eclectic approach, meaning that they draw from multiple therapeutic approaches to treat individuals based on their unique needs.
How Do I Find a Therapist?
Deciding to go to therapy is a fantastic first step. The next step is to find a therapist that suits your unique needs and preferences.
Goldman explains that therapy can feel easier and more effective if you work with the right therapist. Certain therapists and therapy styles are more suitable for certain people. “I believe there is the right therapist out there for everyone, sometimes it just takes some searching to settle in with the right one,” Goldman says.
You can use Grow Therapy’s search tool to find a mental health care provider that serves in your state, takes your insurance plan, and treats clients in your age group. You can look for therapists that offer individual sessions, couples therapy, family therapy, and more. All therapists on Grow Therapy are qualified and licensed mental health professionals.
Each mental health professional has a different area of expertise. You can choose to filter therapists based on the conditions they treat and the type of therapy they specialize in. You can also choose whether you’d prefer in-person sessions or online therapy.
Once you find a therapist that resonates with you, you can book an appointment straight through our portal.
While deciding to go to therapy and choosing a therapist can be daunting, it’s ultimately an investment in your mental health, quality of life, and overall well-being.
“Embracing therapy is a sign of strength, a proactive step towards understanding oneself better, and to make positive change,” Goldman says. “Making change is not easy, but it can become far more manageable with the support of a therapist.”
