Considering "trying therapy"

For many individuals, the thought of "trying therapy" is something that crosses the mind from time to time. Many of these individuals do not actually move forward and "try therapy". There is much that stands in the way of taking that next step from thought into action. For many of us, this thought only crosses the mind when we're especially overwhelmed or feel alone with a problem. It then tends to drift away once things even out again. Many of us also carry within us generations of beliefs about how we should solve problems, cope with distress, and what it might mean to seek professional help from a therapist. Even if we don't intellectually buy in to these beliefs, they can still hold some power over us and prevent or delay us from seeking support. I am often struck by learning how long a client has coped with a problem before taking the step to start therapy; it can often take people years to make that first appointment.

One of the other major barriers that seems to present itself, is "making the problem real" by entering therapy. Often, the issues people come into therapy with are things they've coped or struggled with in their private lives; perhaps only in their inner worlds. By inviting in that material from the inner world, putting words to the experience, and allowing another person to bear witness to it all; in some way, we give the material life. It is a very frightening prospect, but I would argue, a worthwhile one. I invite my clients to enter therapy with me in to a safe, brave space, wherein they can bring their inner world out into the therapeutic relationship, into a space where they can receive an empathetic response and develop a sense of mastery and competence over their inner experiences. Trying therapy is all about working up the nerve to allow another person to truly see you and walk alongside you; this is no small feat. Once you decide to take the risk to allow yourself to be seen and understood, you have access to the healing experience of being truly known.

If you're considering "trying therapy" ask yourself these questions to determine whether you should consider taking that next step:

*How long have I been suffering with this problem/circumstance?

*Would I recommend therapy to a friend with the same problem/circumstance?

*On a scale from 0-10, how much relief might I experience from having a private space to talk about my problem/circumstance?

*What other things would I be able to enjoy or accomplish if I could experience some relief from my problem/circumstance?