Everyone has their own ways of coping with stress and problems that arise with life. Some may turn to friends and family to vent, some may depend on drugs or alcohol, and others may use exercise to cope. No matter in what way you deal with stress, every person can benefit from therapy by getting that little extra support dealing with the challenges of life.
Before dismissing the idea of therapy, consider the fact that research shows talking about feelings out loud can have a drastically positive therapeutic effect on the brain. So, by having your words expressed verbally, especially to someone trained to help you manage stress and emotions, it is likely to have significant impacts on your overall wellness.
Should I still see a therapist even if I don’t have a mental illness?
Yes, therapy can help you handle problems or stressors in your life, even if you don’t have a diagnosed mental illness. While therapy can certainly provide problem-solving techniques for those experiencing depression, anxiety, and addiction, you don’t have to have an official mental health diagnosis to reap the benefits. Therapy is a way to process and become aware of your emotions, negative patterns of thinking, and how you respond to stressors.
You do not have to have gone through a tragic or traumatic life event to benefit from seeing a therapist. Just talking with a professional who is neutral, unbiased, and separated from your personal life can allow you to heal in ways you may not have realized you needed.
Can a therapist help me identify my life purpose?
Yes, when talking with a therapist, it is important that you open yourself up about your struggles and goals. Your therapist can support you as you identify your life purpose, work towards personal goals, strengthen confidence, and ultimately get more of a grasp on the meaning of life. Therapy can work wonderfully for those who are interested in finding more meaning in their life, both professionally and personally.
If I am dealing with a specific problem, can a therapist help me work through it?
During therapy, your psychologist can help you learn and practice strategies for handling a current hardship in your life. Your therapist can also help you see different ways of looking at the problem in order to find a solution. You can learn about your perspective to the problem, and how to cope with difficult feelings and thoughts that may arise. There is stigma that people should be able to work through problems on their own, however, you can get even stronger if you have a professional to help you along the way.
What if I do think I have a mental illness, but it hasn’t been diagnosed yet?
If you have a feeling that something just isn’t right about your mental health, then you can meet with a therapist and talk about your symptoms and options for counseling in Palatine, IL. Your therapist may ask a series of questions in order to identify whether what you are experiencing has or has not reached the point of a mental illness diagnosis.
Thanks to Lotus Wellness Center for their insight into counseling and benefits of therapy.