Therapy Doesn’t Have To Come With A Stigma
It’s Mental Health Awareness Month!
In all transparency I was previously a skeptic of quality mental healthcare, largely stemming from my own negative experiences. My views changed when I met a competent therapist, whom I established a strong rapport with and who radically impacted my life and journey. I was determined to become a therapist, who was educated, trauma competent, ethical and most importantly, willing to step into hard stories and build relationships with my clients. I am thankful each day for a practice, where each clinician brings a similar passion and a desire to provide competent, quality mental healthcare to the city of Cincinnati and beyond.
A common question I hear from clients and acquaintances is, do I need therapy and how do I know if I need to go to therapy? We are all human and life is challenging. Personally, I believe we can all benefit from a supportive, objective space to process our life, our struggles and our relationships. Often, having this safe space alone can reduce anxiety and improve depressive symptoms. Therapists are not friends or family members, our role is to meet each person where they are on their journey and support them with competent care. The therapeutic relationship is paramount to a successful outcome.
“Therapists have the remarkable ability to see our potential, even when we struggle to see it ourselves.”
Therapy can be versatile, ranging from individual care, couples work, child/adolescent therapy and family work. We mutually influence one another in relationships, therefore what impacts one partner or family member, impacts the entire system. Couples do not have to be in a crisis to seek therapy. Perhaps, generational patterns that both partners bring need to be discussed or altered. Maybe there are differences surrounding communication or finances. Addiction is not only an individual issue, but largely a couple and family issue, namely the PTSD that occurs for partners as a result. Parenting is an extremely challenging journey and can impact couples and the entire family system. Family and child therapy can both be beneficial by providing education, support, improving attachment and connection, as well as relationship quality. Life changes, such as divorce and job transitions, can impact individuals, children, couples and families. It is crucial to have the space and tools to best navigate and cope with changes.
Life is challenging and can be messy. Therapy does not have to be stigmatized. It is perfectly acceptable to not feel yourself. Mental health is often a silent battle and not one that is easy to talk about with others. Mental health has such an impact on our overall physical health as well. As a therapist, my goal is not to assign a label, but to understand each person’s journey and holistically and collaboratively help them develop a path forward. Sometimes, we need someone to help us feel hope again and even discern the best next steps in our lives, relationships, families, etc. Life is not meant to be lived alone.
“Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health; safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives.”
― Bessel A. van der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
As we recognize mental health awareness, this is not only an effort contained to the month of May. Mental health is coming to the forefront, especially as more people are sharing their journeys. My desire is that this post brings HOPE- hope that there is help and help can be versatile. You do not have to be in crisis to seek help; there doesn’t have to be a stigma, because the truth is we all struggle.
Most importantly— THERE IS A PATH FORWARD.
I am beyond privileged to be in this field and get to walk alongside my clients each day. They CHOOSE to do the work and invite me into their hard. We celebrate their successes together and my goal is that they leave my office seeing growth in themselves and their relationships. It takes courage to recognize that we are not ok sometimes. This courageous step can change your life. It changed mine and is largely a reason I am in this field today. Let May be your month to take the next step for yourself, your child, your partner and your family.
