One thing I want people to know about therapy is ____
Hi everyone! Sometimes it can be difficult to take the first step when considering therapy. If you have been in therapy then what is one thing you would like people to know about it?
One thing I want people to know about therapy is ____
@Hope Therapy is normal, it’s not just talking, it can be uncomfortable, and it’s a process that takes time!
@Anexmos I agree that therapy is a process and each person has their own unique process.
Hope you get the support you are looking for
@soulsings therapy is always looked at something bad because people often think that if they need therapy, they are broken. However, that is simply not the case, therapy is really helpful and anyone from anywhere in any situation can always benefit in some shape or form from therapy. Therapy doesn't even necessarily have to be from an actually therapist. Sometimes the best therapy can come from a family member, friend, neighbor, boss, etc.
I've been in in person therapy but not sure about online therapy
Trusting your therapist is very important and it can be a long process
@Hope it's completely normal and healthy to seek therapy. Many people you look up to engage in self-help and therapy.
One thing I want people to know about therapy is it is not just for those who had a bad moment in their lives. . . it's good just to have some listen to you or help encourage you and keep your life on a positive track.
Therapy is an investment in both the present and the future. ...
@healingHeart1111 thanks for sharing that. Very insightful.
@Hope I want to know what to expect from them? besides active listening? What can I ask from them?
Hi @Totheskyandbeyond
Lisa De Regt, the clinical director of the 7cups Online Therapy, recently answered a similar question:
"Therapy is the process of meeting with a therapist to resolve problematic behaviours, beliefs, feelings, relationship issues, and anything that is on your mind. It can be a great place to have a safe space to talk about the things that have been bothering you. Beginning therapy can be a big step toward being the healthiest version of yourself and living the best life that you can, no matter what challenges you're experiencing. It might feel daunting at first as even positive change can be really tough! Through therapy, you can change self-destructive behaviors and habits, resolve uncomfortable feelings and improve your relationships.
Your relationship with your therapist will be a close and trusting connection but sometimes it can take time to develop or you feel like it might not be a great fit between you and your therapist, it's important you find the right therapeutic fit. :) Please let us know if you have anymore questions!
Want more personalized guidance? Check out my profile."
@Totheskyandbeyond I've discussed this question with therapists I know (in real life, not online).
The impression I get is that some therapists specialize in helping people with the problems of everyday life. They use active listening, and they suggest ways you can cope better with whatever challenges you are facing in life. This is much the same as many listeners at 7 Cups do, except that professionals are better trained and almost certainly do it better.
However, some therapists go beyond this and treat mental illness. That is, they treat problems of the mind, not problems of everyday life. To do this they use one or other of several theoretical models of mental illness that have been validated by research as effective.
For example, suppose someone suffers from depression. The first kind of therapist helps the person to feel understood and supported, and finds coping strategies that make it easier for the person to live with depression. The second kind of therapist helps the person not to suffer from depression any more.
But I am not an expert, and this is only the impression I get.
If you are choosing a therapist, asking several therapists what you can expect of them, or looking for this information on their websites, is a great way to find out how they work and how good they might be for you.
Charlie
Just makes you understand.
@Hope I have never tried it.
Hello everyone, Just want to share my thoughts on Therapy and my experiences. Therapy is overall a good source of support. One of the posts explained the negative connotations that surround Mental Health and anything that involves Mental Health. It has been my experience that even some of the professionals in the field still stigmatize us for needing their services. Sometimes you really need to shop around and ask good questions. Reading their bio will give some information.
Have a sense of direction and things you want to work on. Find out what their expectations of you are. They are not there to solve our problems but rather steer us in the right direction to see our own solutions they help guild us. The work is what we have to do daily. If your first Therapist doesn't feel like a good fit look for another one. Just don"t quit keep looking. There are plenty of good ones out there. Be open and honest with them.
One of my biggest setbacks was churches being in denial with getting help there motto was giving it to God or just get over it. Anyone who sought help was demon-possessed or just rebellious and wanted to be that way.
There is a lot of insight that needs to be made to understand that it is deeper rooted than they can imagine and that no one is trying to be the way they are.
@scarletPear1945 thanks for sharing your experience with therapy.
Unfortunately stigma about mental health issues still has a place in people's minds, but 7cups is breaking the stigma cycle through acceptance of mental health issues as a brain disease that needs to be treated, not swept under the carpet.
It is people like you sharing your story that help advance a more accepting stance from which to deal with mental health the way we deal with physical health. Thanks for helping make 7cups a more supportive place!
@scarletPear1945
It saves a lot of misunderstanding choosing your therapist carefully, reading their bio and knowing what their special strengths (fields) the therapist has to offer. Thank you for pointing out these facts.
Sorry to hear about your experience with stigma. It is sad that some professionals and the church do react in this way.