What is therapy, and how do I know if I need it?
If you are asking this question, you are not alone! Welcome to The Next Chapter Counseling. We are here to help you start a new chapter of your story, and when most of us start something new, we inevitably have questions.
So, what is therapy?
Mental Health Counseling (AKA: therapy, psychotherapy, mental health therapy, or professional counseling) comes in many forms. At its core, therapy is working with a trained professional about mental health struggles you are experiencing, and learning insights, tools, and skills to navigate or overcome those struggles.
Here is a list of common struggles which bring people into therapy:
Anxiety and stress
Depression
Self-esteem and Body Image
Social Media and Mental Health
Perfectionism
Coping with Life Transitions
Family Dynamics
Relationships and Dating
Breakups
Suicidal Thoughts or Self-harm
Loneliness
Friendships Struggles
Recent trauma/childhood trauma
ADHD/Autism/Neurodivergence
Eating Disorders
People-Pleasing and Boundaries
Substance Use
Career/Work/Job Stress
Self-Confidence
If you found yourself nodding your head at any of the struggles listed, you may have also found yourself asking the following question:
“Okay, so I’m struggling with this stuff. But how do I know if I need therapy?”
The answer is simple: If the stuff you are struggling with is impacting your life negatively, and you want to find a new way of handling things. If you have been struggling with any of these issues over a long period of time, or if you notice they have gotten worse despite your best efforts to manage them, therapy could be a good fit for you.
Therapy isn’t just for those who struggle with severe or extreme challenges. It can also be helpful for anyone seeking to improve their mental health, build coping skills, or simply explore personal growth.
It is important to remember that therapy is a positive, proactive step toward improving your mental well-being, and that there is no “perfect time” to begin. If you are ready to try something new, contact us today. We would love to help you better your life in any way we can!
~Emily
