Although therapy has been established as a practical tool for self-improvement, some still stigmatize therapy as something only for the weak or mentally ill. Contrary to those beliefs, therapy can be useful and helpful for everyone. A person does not need to have a specific mental health diagnosis in order to seek therapeutic help. The benefits of therapy can include setting goals in life, processing normal but difficult experiences like the loss of a loved one, or determining how to break unhelpful behavior patterns. Here are some additional benefits of therapy to consider if you’re thinking about seeing someone for help:
A big benefit of psychotherapy is that it pays dividends in the long run. Not only will it help you work through stuff you’re dealing with in the present, but it will also teach you tools to help with future issues. The positive gains will continue years into the future.
One of the worst things a person can do it not talk about their emotions. Bottling up emotions can have serious consequence. While you may think you’re coping just fine, eventually these issues will eventually come back to haunt you. Therapy gives you a safe outlet to vent and work through these emotions so that they don’t hurt you in the long run.
Many people focus on how therapy helps you understand yourself better. This is true, but another great thing about therapy is that it helps you examine a situation from another person’s perspective. By removing assumptions it’s a lot easier to understand another person’s intentions and act accordingly.
Everyone feels alone at some point in their life, and it’s not a great feeling. Therapy is a great support structure and many people find comfort in knowing they have it. Group therapy is also great at showing people there are others going through the same struggle.
One of the coolest things about therapy is that it can actually change the brain. There is compelling evidence that therapy rewires the brain in a similar way that medication does. If you feel like you’re stuck, it could mean you need a new path, and therapy can help you get there.
