I frequently receive questions about what therapy is like, how long it lasts, and how it works. In fact, these questions have inspired me to write some articles.
But there is one question that underlies all the others: Who goes to therapy?
Do the "crazy" people go? Do the people who have no other option go? Do the rich go?
Yes and no. It's possible that a person with a diagnosed serious disorder ends up in therapy, of course. It's also possible that a person can't think of how to approach a certain situation other than seeing a therapist, and in this case, it would be the only option they considered. People who don't have financial concerns also go there. But, clearly, they're not the only ones who embark on a therapeutic process.
As the psychotherapist points out Jodie Gale:
“All kinds of people come to therapy with all kinds of problems. Many also come not because they feel there's anything wrong, but because they want to know themselves better, reflect on the meaning of life, or unleash their creative and authentic selves. As a society, we need to change the way we think and talk about therapy. Ultimately, therapy is a creative process in which you will learn to build a healthy relationship with yourself and others.
Those who seek and attend therapy are not just a profile or a diagnosis. Therapy is for people who are willing to invest in their well-being and mental health. People who are willing to speak, acknowledge and act. Because that's what psychotherapy is for: to provide support and understanding that allows people move on with your life regardless of their history.
In the TED talk: Taking care of your mental health is nothing to be ashamed of., Sangu Delle points out:
Being honest about how we feel doesn't make us weak; it makes us human.
This is actually the answer to the question "Who goes to therapy?"
Humans go to therapy.
If you'd like to read more on the topic, stay a while. You might find these articles interesting:
- What is it like to go to therapy?
- What happens during the first psychological session?
- How long does psychotherapy last?
- How do I explain to my family that I want to go to psychotherapy?
I wrote these articles to answer questions I've received, either on a daily basis or through the Contact section on the website. Do you have a question about the therapeutic process? Write to me and together we find the answer.
