You have probably heard people say this before. In fact, maybe you’re one of them, “why should I go to therapy?
“What’s the point of wasting money talking to a stranger? I can talk to friends or family for free”
Now, there is no denying it. There are absolutely situations and moments where friends and family are the perfect support people.
What we’re discussing here are the deeper issues. Most importantly, things like anxiety and depression. As well as, complex interpersonal relationships.
By the same token we are speaking of things that improve the most with the help of a mental health professional.
Here are 8 reasons why seeing a therapist is more effective (and overall, a way better idea!) than solely relying on friends and family.
A therapist has years of education and clinical hours. They are experts.
To become licensed as a mental health professional and see patients is no small undertaking. On their way, therapists have a master’s degree in the field and spend around two years under the supervision of a licensed mental health clinician gaining clinical hours.
With degree completed, hey have received a broad range of diagnosis, treatment modalities, skill building, and more.
When you see a therapist, you get the benefit of their hard-earned clinical expertise, and their undivided attention. It’s all about helping, healing, and empowering you.
Want to learn more? Give us a call. We offer therapy in Roseville and Fair Oaks, CA and love hearing from you!
They are a neutral party.
Because they are not part of your everyday life, therapists are not enmeshed in the complexities or involved in your story.
As such, they are able to help you from a totally neutral objective standpoint. They broaden your perspective and shed light on the path forward.
Information you share is confidential.
Counselors are held to strict confidentiality standards. To violate them (other than to report harm or abuse to the necessary authority) is to open themselves up to a lawsuit, and potentially loss of their license.
Knowing that what you share never leaves the room, makes it easier to open up and get to the bottom of what you’re going through. Recognizing and excavating the “gunk,” the painful shameful scary stuff, is the best way to heal.
Speaking to a therapist helps you not put friends in the middle.
It can be very tempting to unload on a friend or family member about another friend or family member. You get fired up over how they hurt or wronged you. While you are in your quest for support you hope this person sides with you.
In cases such as these, the rift may be a symptom of a deeper issue. Ultimately, getting other people involved, especially when they know and have a relationship with the person you’re at odds with can do more harm than good.
Speaking with a therapist, someone who doesn’t know the other person, helps you gain a better perspective and find clarity without creating unnecessary drama.
Their tips and tools are backed by research.
A therapist has many tricks up their sleeve. Their work is supported by a rigorous education and clinical experience. Hence, they have a variety of different approaches and modalities. Based on your challenges and personality type, you will find the ones most effective for you.
You can be honest and authentic.
Interpersonal relationships are tricky, and can involve an array of feelings, both good and bad. Talking with a therapist allows you to dip into the past and uncover how something affected you and helps you move through it.
When dealing with friends and family, there are instances where you don’t want to get completely honest for fear of hurting feelings or speaking “badly” about someone.
For that reason, it helps to exhume these situations with a therapist. With someone who is a neutral party that’s not related to you or part of your inner circle.
Not burdening a friendship.
Friends and family are here to support you. But sometimes, what you’re going through is more than they can handle. They lack the training and understanding. It’s a big deal that needs extra professional support.
Working with a therapist, makes you be a better friend to your friends because you’re not relying on them so heavily. You can be present for them in their life too.
A therapist will help you have deeper insight.
As you continue to grow and heal in therapy, you’ll learn more about different dynamics. Learn about boundaries: discover what’s healthy and what’s not.
All of this makes you a better friend to your friends. Gaining more insight, you’ll understand how to nurture your genuine relationships and support the people you love.
If you’re at a point where you think you could benefit from therapy, or are curious and want to learn more, please reach out. We help people from all walks of life work through all sorts of challenges and come out the other end with newfound clarity.
Feeling stronger, happier, and whole.
Therapy in Roseville, CA, Fair Oaks, CA, or Online in California:
If you are ready to change your life for the better, we can help. To begin therapy at our Sacramento area locations or online, follow these steps:
- Contact the Relationship Therapy Center and schedule a free 20-minute phone consultation to learn more.
- Meet with one of our talented therapists
Services Offered at The Relationship Therapy Center in California:
Our Sacramento area counseling clinics located in Roseville and Fair Oaks, CA are pleased to offer a variety of mental health services. Our couples services include: Couples Counseling, Counseling after infidelity, sex therapy, co-parent counseling, family therapy, divorce counseling, intensive couples retreats, and premarital counseling. Our individual therapy services include, anxiety treatment, therapy for children, teen therapy, depression treatment, and individual relationship counseling. Our therapists offer online counseling in California to treat a variety of mental health concerns. Please reach out to our Sacramento area therapy office to learn more about the many ways we can help you or your loved ones.