Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life and it can be helpful to have support and assistance in those times. While it may be hard to ask for help, the consequences of not doing so may be significant. You may be at risk of losing an important relationship, a job or promotion, or simply not enjoying your life and finding it unfulfilling. Therapy can offer an opportunity to explore the factors and issues that may be interfering with your ability to succeed and enjoy your life. Therapy can facilitate changes you'd like to make, help you learn how to sustain these changes, and improve your overall sense of well-being.
What is therapy like?
In general therapy sessions are 50 minutes in length. In some instances the initial session may be longer to give the therapist time to get to know you better and learn more about why you are seeking therapy. Each session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. In the course of therapy you will talk about your concerns and challenges with the therapist and learn more about how to address them. The changes you implement are up to you and you can assess how helpful therapy is for you. Ideally therapy will feel like a collaborative working relationship. The length of treatment can vary and it will depend upon your issues, needs, preferences, resources, and schedule. In general clients attend therapy once a week, but this too can be adjusted to best meet your needs and resources. Individuals are likely to benefit most from therapy when they are curious and interested in learning more about themselves, willing to take responsibility for their actions, and ready to work towards self-change.
What about medication?
In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. The decision to take medication is up to you, but a therapist can help you make an informed decision regarding this matter. You can discuss your concerns and questions with your therapist and if you decide to pursue medication in addition to therapy your therapist can help refer you to a psychiatrist if you do not already have one.