Counselling is a resource not a last resort. Let’s bust the myth that therapy is only for those with serious mental health problems.
Health is health whether physical or mental. We don’t just go see a doctor when things are falling apart, we go to prevent things from falling apart later.
Since many people consider therapy as a last resort, here are some reasons why that should not be done.
1. Pre-Appointment Basis-
Most therapists work on a pre-appointment basis. They are not readily available to provide you with a therapy session. Hence, if you are in dire need of an appointment with a therapist it is essential to book it well in advance so that you are not left without help when needed the most.
2. Long-term commitment-
Therapy is not like a magic potion where things can get better immediately. It is a process that requires serious long-term commitment on the client’s part for betterment. Hence, you should not approach therapy as a last resort and expect it to yield great results immediately.
3. Therapist-
It is important to note that your therapist is also a human being. It takes time for them as well to fully understand your concerns, develop a therapeutic alliance with you and help you to establish trust in them. All these things are important for an efficient therapy process. It is also important for you to understand that you will not get full proof solutions you are looking for in the first session itself.
You should thus approach therapy keeping in mind that you should give your therapist enough time to fully develop these factors with you in order to get the most out of your therapy sessions.
4. Solutions are not ready made-
Counselling is not a process whereby solutions are readily provided to you. You must understand that the counsellor is there to listen to you and help you help yourself. When you feel lost or confused, they can help you look at your situation from a different perspective. After all, you know your situation better than anyone else.
You thus need to be in that kind of a position to be patient, understand what is happening and to receive that kind of help.
5. Mental state of clients-
Sometimes in dire situations the client’s emotions are very high and they may not be in a state to listen to someone, receive help or talk about what exactly is bothering them.
In such cases, the counsellor is put under pressure as they are expected to yield solutions immediately.
6. Emergency situations-
Lastly, since counsellors work on a pre-appointment basis, in case of emergency situations you should visit a psychiatrist or other nearest emergency services to get immediate and instant help.
A counsellor can always help you additionally.
In conclusion, seeking therapy at an early stage is essential and the best gift you can give to yourself. The more you understand and know about yourself the less likely you are to fear it.
So, the next time you hear someone is in therapy, don’t assume the worst in their life, and don’t feel like yours has to be too before you can reach out and get support.
Support is out there, sometimes you just have to ask.
