Ready or Not? How to Know If You Are Ready for Therapy?

I come from a family full of people who “didn’t need” therapy, so I get it. It took me a long time to make that decision but I’ve never regretted taking that first step. Maybe you’ve been on the fence about therapy for a while. You think that it will help but you’re just not sure now is the time. One of the clearest ways to tell if you need therapy is if the problem is impacting other areas of your life. Do you cancel plans with friends? Do you have difficulty concentrating at work? Are you not sleeping well? Do you and your partner argue about the problem?

What is the cost of not getting help? Some people wait until not getting therapy has cost them dearly. A spouse or partner has begged them to get help but they were sure they could figure it out on their own. Ultimately the other person had enough and ended the relationship. Or their problems spilled over into work and they lost a job, or missed out on an opportunity for advancement. Or the person has lost touch with their friends because of the problem they are having. Friends will call and invite you out only so many times before they give up.

One of the comments I hear from clients who put off therapy for a long time is that they wish they had done it sooner. Another common statement  is “this isn’t as bad as I thought it would be.” I have to laugh. Those were my thoughts too when I saw a counselor for the first time. I think therapists are avoided in much the same way dentists are avoided. And just like a cavity, waiting until the problem gets worse only results in suffering longer and requiring more care to heal. 

It doesn’t have to get to that point that it costs you something you will regret. If the problem has begun impacting your relationships, your work, your education, or your social life. It is time to get help. If your partner has suggested you get help, they probably have your best interests at heart. If you have had problems at work whether it be conflicts with coworkers or not meeting deadlines, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. If you don’t go out with friends because you feel so on edge in public places, start taking your life back today! 

Call for a free initial consultation to find out how therapy can help your situation.