PLEASE Try Therapy

Therapy gets a bad rap sometimes. For many, it conjures up images of lying on a couch, spilling your darkest secrets to a stranger with a notepad. But the truth is, therapy is so much more than the outdated stereotype of “talking about your feelings.” It’s an incredibly personal and versatile tool that can help you understand yourself better, heal from past experiences, and navigate life’s challenges.

For the past eight years, therapy has been a lifeline for me. I’ve tried many different approaches and providers, and each one has brought unique benefits. I firmly believe everyone can gain something from therapy—whether it’s insight, healing, or just learning how to cope with the curveballs life throws at you.

Why Therapy?

Here’s the thing: life is hard. Even if you’re doing okay, therapy offers a space to check in with yourself and explore areas you might not realize need attention.

It’s not just for “big problems.” Therapy is just as valuable for managing day-to-day stress as it is for addressing trauma or mental health conditions.
It’s a judgment-free zone. A therapist is trained to listen without bias and provide an objective perspective you can’t always get from friends or family.
It’s for you. Therapy is an investment in yourself, your growth, and your happiness.

Different Types of Therapy

If the idea of traditional “talk therapy” doesn’t interest you, don’t worry—there are so many options. Here are just a few:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
- Focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.
- Great for anxiety, depression, and even everyday stress.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR):
- Often used for trauma, this method helps reprocess difficult memories in a safe and controlled way.
- Personally, this has been transformative for me—it helps unpack things in a way that feels less overwhelming.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT):
- Combines mindfulness and practical coping strategies to manage intense emotions.
- Helpful for emotional regulation and interpersonal issues.
Somatic Therapy:
- Focuses on the connection between mind and body, often addressing how trauma or stress is stored physically.
Art, Music, or Play Therapy:
- Creative therapies that allow you to express feelings in non-verbal ways.
- Especially useful for kids, but also powerful for adults.
Couples or Family Therapy:
- Strengthens relationships by improving communication and understanding within a group dynamic.

How to Get Started

Research your options: Look into therapists near you or on online platforms. Many therapists list their specialties, so you can find someone who fits your needs.
Consider cost: Therapy can be expensive, but many therapists offer sliding scale fees, and insurance often covers at least part of the cost. Community centers or schools may also offer affordable or even free options.
Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to “shop around.” Finding the right therapist is like finding the right pair of shoes—it’s about the fit.
Give it time: Therapy isn’t magic. It takes time and effort, but even small changes can make a big difference over time.

Why Everyone Should Try It

Even if you’re skeptical, give it a chance. Therapy can:

Improve your relationships.
Help you set and maintain boundaries.
Equip you with tools to manage stress, anxiety, and depression.
Foster personal growth and self-awareness.
Provide a safe outlet for thoughts and feelings you don’t know how to express.

Therapy isn’t about fixing yourself—it’s about understanding yourself. It’s a space to be heard, to process, and to grow. For me, it’s been life-changing, and I wish more people would give themselves the gift of trying it.

So, please, try therapy. Just once. You never know what it might unlock for you.