Why See A Therapist? 7 Reasons

Why should I see a therapist? Isn’t that for the people who are really messed up? Besides, I don’t want people to think I’m weak or anything.

Ok, first of all, no one is going to know unless you tell them. Second, have you ever taken your car in for tires, oil, or a check engine light?

Going to a therapist can be for a major reason, but many people go for minor, everyday reasons, just like a tune-up for your car. Some couples engage in marriage counseling for a handful of sessions (around 4) every year, just as a checkup. People take care of their bodies and cars through regular checkups, why not their mental health?

Below is a list of reasons why people choose to see a therapist or counselor. Some are major reasons, but notice how many are minor, everyday kinds of things.

Addiction

One major reason why people see a therapist or counselor is for addictions. The obvious addictions are alcohol and drugs. But some other common addictions that people seek help for are sex and pornography, exercise, food, and work addictions.

Trauma

Another major reason to seek out therapy is for traumatic events that have happened recently or in the long ago past. This may be for recognizable PTSD symptoms, but oftentimes people underestimate the impact of past traumatic events in their current everyday lives.

Grief

The loss of a loved one is a significant event in anyone’s life. Sometimes we need help to find our way through it, whether for a short time or a longer time. Grief can also be experienced in other ways like a career change, or a move, especially for children. Finding out about a serious illness can also elicit grief, and even trauma.

Mood

The two most common reasons as to why people see a therapist are for Anxiety and Depression, which are Mood Disorders. Many things can affect your mood, so people also seek out a therapist to address issues with anger and fear.

Cognitive (Thinking)

A common one in this category is stress, whether from too much going on in life, work, and possibly illness related. This category also addresses beliefs (positive or negative), self-esteem, confidence, focus and concentration, self-control and phobias.

Relationship

These are everywhere in life, and therefore impacted by and contribute to a great many things. Common reasons to seek out counseling or therapy in this category are parenting issues and childhood behaviors, marriage problems, family dysfunction, or an individual’s actions affecting those around them.

Life

Sometimes life just seems too much to handle, so people often seek out help when they just need support or direction. This often involves transitions, goal setting, career planning, needing advice, big changes on the horizon, or a significant life event.

The reasons why someone might see a therapist are many. If you need to address any of the issues above, get in touch with a qualified mental health provider today.

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Todd Call

CEO at Thrivology

Todd has a Master of Science degree in Marriage & Family Therapy and has been a therapist for over 28 years. He has extensive experience with teenagers and families treating relational and behavioral problems. Check out his first book at https://a.co/d/aV4qytm