For many people, seeking a therapist is routine. However, there are some people who don’t want to go to therapy, don’t know how to, or are confused as to what therapy entails.
So in this post, we will look at what therapy is, the types of therapists, and where to go if you need therapy.
What is Therapy?
In a psychological context, therapy is when you treat mental or psychological problems through psychological ways. Because of that, “therapy” is commonly a shortened form of psychotherapy.
A therapist is someone who has been trained to treat someone. Being a therapist is a job where someone needs a license to be, but some counselors, life coaches, or social workers may also be referred to as therapists.
There Are Many Types of Therapists
There are some therapists who are designed to treat most problems through cognitive behavioral therapy or through another means. However, there are also therapists who specialize in a certain practice.
For example, marriage therapists work with couples to improve their crumbling marriage. A child therapist tends to work with children and adolescents. Addiction therapists work with those who have a dependency.
It’s a Long Process
Becoming a therapist isn’t something you can do on a weekend. It takes years of education and training to do. Not to mention, a therapist needs to obtain their license and get it renewed every so often to ensure the therapist is still fit to help.
It can be an investment in time and money, but many therapists do it not just for money, but to help other people solve their problems as they journey through life’s challenges.
There Are Many Approaches to Therapy
A therapist may use a science-driven way to improve one’s mental health, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. However, there is not one approach that works well.
For example, a therapist may employ gradual exposure therapy to treat someone. This is when a someone treats their fears by slowly exposing themselves to increasing levels of that fear.
Other therapists may use music or other nontraditional means to treat someone. After all, people are different, and one way to be treated may work for another person. For example, some people may want to use puppies as treatment.
It’s More Than “Giving Advice”
Anyone can give advice. Just make a post on social media asking for help, and people will give their two cents.
A therapist can give advice, but they use proven methods and goal-based planning for you to achieve the goals you expected from the therapy session. In other words, if you want to become a therapist because you feel like you give good advice, think again.
Why Do People Get Therapy?
People go to therapy for many reasons. For some, it’s chronic depression and anxiety that are ruining their life. For others, they go to therapy after a big move or massive change in their lives.
Some people may go due to insomnia, or because they need to find themselves. Others go just because they’re lonely.
There’s no perfect reason to see a therapist. However, you should make sure you need one before going. If the problem you’re experiencing has been persistent and you can’t figure out how to solve it, that may be one reason to go.
Finding a Therapist Can Be A Tough Process
There are many therapists available, but in order to find one who fits you, you may need to do a bit of digging. Do you have an age or gender preference? Do you have a certain need that a more niche therapist can treat?
Do a bit of digging, and if you find someone, look at their reviews. Don’t be afraid to call and ask what their schedule is and what their cost is.
It Can Take a Few Sessions
If you have a problem, it won’t go away in one session. It may take quite a few sessions for you to start seeing results, especially if your problems are bigger.
Also, remember that you may have to try a method that may not work. Don’t think that means the therapy has failed. A good therapist will keep trying and provide you with new approaches.
Online Therapy is Growing in Popularity
One therapy method you may consider is online therapy.
This involves talking to a licensed therapist remotely. It has grown in popularity, not just due to improving technology but because of the pandemic.
If you are considering therapy, online may be a good choice. It’s much easier for you to match up to a therapist who can help you, and it’s easier to schedule. Not to mention, it can be cheaper!
If you want more information on online therapy, please click the link below in order to get started:
https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/therapy/what-are-the-best-therapy-resources/