4 questions to help you figure out if therapy is right for you

“If things don't change, I think we are going to have to go to counseling.”


I'm 17 years old.  My mom is expressing her distress about the state of things in our newly blended family.  Her statement, not meant to be a threat, functioned as one. Therapy was punishment, participating in it meant failure. The fact that we never ended up going, suggested that this threat had served its purpose.  We fell in line. Our aversion to the idea of therapy outweighed the discomfort that was contributing to our dysfunction.


This is my oldest memory about counseling.  Considering I've chosen a career in the profession, it's obvious that my understanding of therapy has changed.  At the same time, this memory is grounding for me and helps me connect with those who hesitate, avoid or are ambivalent about therapy.

If you are reading this, I assume you are pondering whether therapy might be able to help you and you may be struggling with the same sort of concerns I did. Whatever your hesitation is, I can assure you that you are not alone. People find all sorts of reasons to avoid or put off reaching out for help. The question becomes, what if therapy is exactly what you need right now?

Here are some questions that I hope will help you get some clarity on whether you are ready to take the next step. I suggest you take time to thoroughly consider these questions. It may help to write down your answers:

• What is keeping me from going to counseling?
  

• Think of someone you care about. If they were struggling in a similar way as you are, how would you feel about them seeking out professional help?
  

• When you think about the things that you are dealing with right now, what are you afraid might happen if things do not get better?
  

• What is the worst that could happen if you went to see a counselor?
  

    

• If therapy ended up being exactly what you needed and you reached all your goals, what would be different about your life?
  

Next, take time throughout this week to think about your answers.  If you are still unsure, come back next week where I will dispel the myths of therapy and show how simple and effective it can be.

Next week:
4 Reasons Why Therapy Works.