You’ve probably heard people say this before. In fact, maybe you’re one of them, “why go to therapy? What’s the point of wasting money talking to a stranger, when 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. Things like anxiety and depression. Complex interpersonal relationships.
Things that improve the most with the help of a mental health professional.
When it comes to those types of difficulties and struggles, here are 8 reasons why seeing a therapist is more effective (and overall, a way better idea!) than solely relying on friends and family.
1. A therapist has endured years of education and clinical hours – they are experts – and you get their undivided attention.
To become licensed as a mental health professional and see patients is no small undertaking. Therapists are required to 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.
The education they receive covers 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!)
2. They are a neutral party and are not a part of your day-to-day life.
Because a therapist is not part of your everyday life, they are not enmeshed in the complexities or involved in the story.
As such, they are able to help you from a totally neutral objective standpoint. Broadening your perspective and shedding light on the path forward.
3. You are protected – the information you share is confidential.
Therapists 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 even lose 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.
4. Speaking to a therapist saves someone you care about from being caught 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, and in your quest for support, hope this person sides with you.
In cases such as these, the rift may be a symptom of a deeper issue. And 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 gain a better perspective and find clarity without creating unnecessary drama.
5. Their tips and tools are backed by research, and they can work with you to find what’s most effective.
A therapist has many tricks up their sleeve. Their work is supported by a rigorous education and clinical experience. They have a variety of different approaches and modalities, and based on your challenges and personality type, can find ones that are most effective for you.
6. You can be as honest and authentic as possible – you don’t have to worry about protecting anyone or not hurting feelings.
Interpersonal relationships are tricky, and can involve an array of feelings, both good and bad. Dipping into the past and uncovering how something affected you with a therapist is an excellent way to work 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.
It helps to exhume these situations with a therapist; a neutral party that’s not related to you, or part of your inner circle.
7. You’re not overly 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.
With a therapist, you get that need met, and can 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.
8. A therapist will help you have deeper insight which in turn will allow you to be there for the people you love.
As you continue to grow and heal in therapy, you’ll learn more about different dynamics. You’ll learn about boundaries: discover what’s healthy and what’s not.
All of this makes you a better friend to your friends. You’ll have 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.