Last updated on September 26th, 2023.
Plenty of people are on the fence about therapy. They’re either fearful of being stigmatized, don’t think it can truly be of value to them, or they’ve lived the majority of their lives believing that feelings should be kept inside. But these are all outdated ways of thinking that could hold you back from something genuinely life-changing.
Therapy is beneficial in many ways, whether you’re speaking online or in person. 7 compelling reasons include:
- Long-term positive effects
- Enhanced physical well-being
- New perspective on others
- Clarity to problems
- Built-in support system
- Ceased self-medicating
- Ability to teach future generations
If you’re considering talking to a therapist but have your own list of doubts, keep reading. This article shares important information, such as why a therapist can be a game-changer for your mental health, things you can discuss with your therapist, and other top reasons why you should consider therapy in your life.
Article Topics
Why Talking to a Therapist is Great for Your Mental Health
The term “mental health” isn’t what it used to be. While it may have been a word that encapsulated negative connotations, today, it’s sunk back to its original definition: one’s well-being on an emotional, psychological, and social level.
Talking to a therapist can help you to achieve superior mental health. Not only can they talk you through your current feelings, but they can also help you to build tools to help you through future situations.
For instance, you may be struggling with anxiety over driving. Talking to a therapist can put these feelings at ease to help you successfully conquer driving.
In turn, you feel less anxious and have opportunities you may not have had previously, such as driving to a high-paying job further away or taking your family on a week-long road trip. This new outlook and way of life have an overall positive impact on your mental health, which may not have been possible without therapy.
What Kinds of Things Can You Talk to a Therapist About?
Talking to a therapist is beneficial, but what should you talk to them about? The honest answer is this: anything and everything.
All issues, even more minor issues should be discussed. In fact, it’s recommended. After all, some of your smaller “problems” may impact you daily, while a more severe issue comes and goes. (But you should talk about those things too, of course).
Online Therapy Services That Are Great
Some people might not want to seek out in-person therapy. They’re either uneasy about discussing their thoughts and feelings in person, don’t have time to visit a therapist, or have concerns about health. Regardless of why, you’ll be glad to know that there are several top-notch online therapy services that will sincerely help you.
BetterHelp
BetterHelp has quickly become the go-to for online therapy sessions. They have an extensive network of qualified professionals that can perform individual, couples, and family counseling. Their application is exceptionally user-friendly, and you can talk with therapists via audio, chat, messaging, or video.
Talkspace
Talkspace is relatively similar to BetterHelp. The big difference is that this application can prescribe medications and is covered by some insurance providers. Therapists are also more readily available when you need them most.
OnlineTherapy
This unique online therapy service focuses on cognitive behavioral therapy, a fine-tuned technique to identify, challenge, and overcome negative thoughts and feelings. The “CBT” method is highly regarded and can work wonders in many people’s lives.
7 Compelling Reasons to Talk to a Therapist
Still not sure if therapy is right for you? Here are some of the most compelling reasons why therapy should be added to your health “to-do” list – right alongside your trips to the doctor and dentist.
1. Long-Term Positive Effects
Therapy isn’t focused solely on what’s happening right now and on discussing feelings about the past. While these two elements are essential to a successful therapy session, the more significant perk is that you learn the tools necessary to combat future problems, creating long-term success.
2. Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, can have adverse physical symptoms that often aren’t discussed. Many are under the impression that these disorders are solely in the mind. Successful therapy can alleviate these common mental disorders, alleviating physical symptoms and enhancing overall well-being.
3. New Perspective on Others
Speaking with a therapist about anger, anxiousness, and other issues that may be affecting you can help you gain a better perspective on others. Essentially, you’ll be releasing presumptuous thoughts and the “cloudiness” covering your eyes, allowing you to understand those around you better.
4. Clarity to Problems
Talking yourself through a problem – big or small – can lead to nowhere. Frequently, individuals spend so much time going in circles about their issues. By speaking to someone and getting insight and their point of view, you’re far likelier to gain some clarity and a potential conclusion to your problem, taking some of the weight off your shoulders.
5. Built-In Support System
Plenty of people feel alone, and this can be true even for those who are surrounded by loved ones. Whether you have a support system in place or not, having a therapist is another line of defense. You will know that you have someone “on your team,” so you never have to feel alone in this world against your problems.
6. Ceased Self-Medicating
Having negative thoughts and feelings bottled up for an extended period can lead to self-medication. For some, this can mean drinking, drugs, and self-harm. For others, it can be over or under eating or relying on stimulants such as caffeine. When therapy is successful, you will no longer require self-medication, leading to a happier and healthier you.
7. Ability to Teach Future Generations
Last but not least, speaking to a therapist and changing your life can have a positive impact on future generations. Not only do you release the stigmas regarding therapy and mental health, but you can also share your new self and coping mechanisms with others, building a more successful generation.
Talking to a Therapist Can Be Life-Changing
If you’re thinking about talking to a therapist, it’s time to take the plunge. So many wonderful things can come from therapy, and it can be beneficial whether you have severe issues from the past or are simply struggling in day-to-day activities. If you don’t want to chat in person, there are plenty of excellent online services to check into.
