Life has its ups and downs. This is where psychology and therapists come in. They’re expert mariners, piloting vessels through troubled waters seeking from the brink to a place of rest. Ready to listen: The unforeseen is their power source. Then they manage it. Life should become a circus dealing with only one thing after another. I don’t want that for you, but can help you avoid it. I want to make everything easier, as much as possible.
Think of them as your cheerleaders and problem-solvers, all rolled into one!
But what exactly do they do? How do they go about helping you in your specific struggle? Let’s analyze it step by step.
Understanding the Difference: Psychologists vs. Therapists
Psychologists and therapists can offer much help but there are some differences in their work.
- Psychologists: Many have a Ph.D. in psychology and can diagnose mental health disorders stringently. They may work as researchers or therapists themselves.
- Therapists Their training can vary widely, with some holding a master’s in psychology or counseling. Others may come from other fields such as social work rather than diagnosing and treating mental illness.
What Can They Help You With?
All six areas can be difficult to handle but there are some which psychologists and therapists will support work on matters in people’s lives:
- Feeling Stressed or Overwhelmed: On the whole we all get stressed at some time or other, but when it starts interfering with our daily lives a psychologist can teach us tools to deal with stress better.
- Anxiety and Depression: They are common mental health conditions, but with therapy you can learn ways to control symptoms increase your general sense of well-being.
- Relationship Issues: Whether it’s with a partner, family member, or friend; therapists help you learn healthier communication skills and resolve conflict.
- Life Transitions: Starting a new job, losing someone you love; undergoing divorce. Therapy helps you adjust to changes by giving aid in the form of words, because it helps you understand what has changed for good and bad in your personal lifeSelf- DevelopmentDoubts YouResigned? Therapy can help you conquer these fears and gain confidence.
- Trauma: For a person who has experienced an incident of trauma, the consequences are truly unchangeable. Therapy offers one place to deconstruct your experience while making healing possible once againAddiction: Drug, alcohol or technology dependency is hard to break on your own. Therapy can provide support and guidance for the road ahead.
How does therapy work?
It is a collaborative process. You and your therapist will work together to identify your goals and put a plan together. What follows is a general outline of what you can expect:
- First Session: At this you will meet with your therapist, talk over your problems and get a feel for the style he/she has in working.
- Setting Goals: Just by joining in therapy itself, you are already achieving a goal towards health.
- Learning skills: Therapy will equip you with what you need to successfully handle adversity and be responsible for your own emotional future.
- Weekly Sessions: As a rule, therapy is a weekly commitment.
How does therapy work?
It is a collaborative process. You and your therapist will work together to identify your goals and put a plan together. What follows is a general outline of what you can expect:
- First Session: At this you will meet with your therapist, talk over your problems and get a feel for the style he/she has in working.
- Setting Goals: Just by joining in therapy itself, you are already achieving a goal towards health.
- Learning skills: Therapy will equip you with what you need to successfully handle adversity and be responsible for your own emotional future.
- Weekly Sessions: As a rule, therapy is a weekly commitment.
Finding the Right Counselor
Finding the best fit with a therapist is something that the process can benefit from a lot. Here are some ideas:
- Consider your needs: What are you hoping to achieve from therapy? Ask for referrals. Talk to your (family doctor, friends, etc.) for recommendations on specialists. Check credentials. Make sure the therapist is licensed and has experience in your area of concern.
- Think of their method: Research different therapy styles (cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, etc.)-what feels right to you? Get a Preview: Many therapists offer free consultations so that you can see if they feel like the therapist for yourself.
Taking that First Step
At first, going to therapy may feel a bit scary. Here are some things to keep in mind:
It’s okay not to be okay. Everyone struggles sometimes. Seeking help is a sign of strength not weakness.
Therapy is a Journey, not a Destination Don’t expect to get lightning-slap miracles. Change takes time and effort – but if you do the work consistently over a period of time then really remarkable improvements can occur.
- Be open and honest: The more open you are with your therapist, the more that therapy will help.
- It’s a safe place: Therapy gives people an area with perfect freedom, where they are allowed to do anything without fear of being judged or punished. “Change your therapist without worry. If your therapist isn’t a good match, finding another one is perfectly acceptable.”
In sum, therapy is an invaluable means of coping with the vicissitudes that life brings. And if you’re ready to take charge of your mental health and well-being, we’re Psychology & Healing here to help you make it all happen. Call today free of charge, whether it means for work or play. Let our capable psychotherapists lend their understanding hand on your behalf and see how we can help smooth anything from anxieties and tensions to other emotional turmoil. Explore our Psychotherapy Services to learn more about how we can support you on your journey to well-being.