10 Situations When Seeing a Therapist Can Help
There are so many different reasons why someone may seek out a therapist; we all face unique challenges in life and at certain times it can begin to feel overwhelming. If you are unsure whether you should seek out a therapist, we have put together a list of 10 common situations people face in which a therapist can help.
Even if you can’t quite put your finger on what’s causing your general sense of unhappiness, and there’s nothing ‘wrong’ as such, this article may help to show you how different therapy techniques can help to improve your mindset.
If you do find yourself in one of the situations below, Phoenix Counselling are ready to help you achieve positive lasting change and provide you with a confidence tool kit that you can rely on for life. Get in touch with our team today to book an appointment and step into your full potential.
Check out this list of 10 common situations where seeing a therapist can help you get through a difficult time in life:
If you are suffering from unexpected mood swings
If you’re experiencing a persistent shift toward a more negative mood or thought process, this could be a sign of a mental health issue. With the help of a therapist, you can open up about your thoughts and feelings in a safe, supported environment to explore why you are unhappy and get to the root of the problem.
If you are undergoing a big change in your life
Whether you’ve moved to a different part of the country, just had a baby or started a new career, all new ventures throw up challenges that you may need guidance and support with. If you can work with a professional who has a neutral perspective, s/he can help you identify goals and develop plans to achieve them while managing your life’s stressors.
If you are having thoughts of self harming
If you are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, you should seek help straight away. There is an alternative and a way out with professional help – but you do need to tell someone NOW. For emergency situations, call The Samaritans on 116 123, Papyrus for under 35s (HOPELINEUK 0800 068 4141) or CALM (0800 585858) for men.
If you are withdrawing from things you used to enjoy
Loss of motivation could be a signal that something is wrong. If you are normally an outgoing type of person but you are suddenly pulling away from socialising with your friends or family, your mental health may be suffering. A trained therapist can help you uncover why you are choosing to withdraw and how to deal with the underlying issues.
If you feel isolated or alone
Many people experiencing mental health issues feel that they’re the only person in the world dealing with their experience. This has been intensified by periods of self isolation and lockdowns due to Covid-19. Individual and group therapy could help you to recognise the validity of your feelings and show you that you’re not alone. The realisation that your problem is understood and shared by others can bring about a sense of comfort and hope.
If you are using a substance to help you cope
If you are turning to alcohol, drugs or worse as a way to deal with issues in your life, it may be time to seek help. Addiction and substance abuse are medical conditions that can be treated. Going to see a therapist will help you understand and appreciate the issues surrounding your illness, enabling you to get treatment.
If you think you may have a serious mental health condition
According to the charity MIND, around 25%of people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year. Warning signs include severe nervousness, apathy or intrusive thoughts. If you have not been feeling right for a long time, it’s time to reach out. Psychiatric conditions such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia are treatable.
If your relationships feel strained
Relationships can be hard work, especially when you keep miscommunicating with your partner and end up annoying each other instead. Therapy can help you explore better ways to relate to each other and deal with issues together effectively. Couples therapy can be beneficial to you, even if your other half doesn’t attend the sessions.
If you just need to talk to someone
There’s nothing at all wrong with seeking professional help with your health – physical or mental. If you feel the need to speak to someone about your inner world, your emotions or what’s going on in your life, then do it. Talking therapies are not only perfectly normal, they’re a valuable experience and they have a wealth of benefits.
If you feel fatigued all the time
This physical symptom often results from or accompanies mental health issues. It can indicate depression. Fatigue can cause you to sleep more than usual or have trouble getting out of bed in the morning.
