Therapy is for everyone, not just people with a mental health diagnosis. “Someone doesn’t have to have a mental health condition or a psychiatric diagnosis in order to participate in therapy,” says Schiff.
According to a survey conducted by Barna Group, a California-based private research company, 28 percent of people who started therapy did so after a trauma, such as the loss of a loved one, job loss, sickness, an accident, or a divorce.
Therapy is a deliberate step to take control of your mental health and take care of yourself, Crawford says. For many, talking to a mental health professional offers a unique opportunity to have a space to reflect on your thoughts and feelings, where you have someone to listen and guide you. “It’s a safe space to work on yourself,” she says.
- Coming to terms with an ongoing chronic illness, or with death and bereavement in the family
- Struggling with financial issues, job loss, or problems in the workplace
- Managing relationship stress, including trying to make a marriage work, caring for young children or aging parents, and managing friendships
- Recovering from physical or sexual abuse
- Witnessing violence or a traumatic event
- Coping with sexual problems, whether they’re due to a physical or psychological cause
Therapy can be useful before problems become serious, Schiff adds. “It can act as preventive treatment in order to protect your mental health and learn how to best cope with life and the stressors you may face,” she says. “It is like an athlete training for a sporting event.”
Some people choose to seek therapy on a short-term basis, while others opt for ongoing therapy sessions. When you’re first establishing a relationship with a therapist it can be a good idea to see that provider on a regular schedule, Schiff adds. This builds a foundation. After that, maybe you continue to see that provider regularly — or maybe you return as new issues come up.
