IS THERAPY FOR ME?
Article by Perth Psychologist, Pamela Woods
Why Going to Therapy Does Not Mean You are Weak or Flawed
People choose to come to therapy for many different reasons. Making a commitment to therapy with a well-chosen registered psychologist, clinical psychologist or qualified psychotherapist usually signals a level of commitment to yourself and your wellbeing, and a desire to be the best one can be as a human being on this journey of life. Taking responsibility to address issues causing difficulties for you or others is a sign of strength and character.
Seeking more awareness of yourself and an independent perspective can offer invaluable insights and a fresh pathway forward, if you are feeling stuck or self-critical or angry. You may also learn many valuable strategies for dealing with problem areas, and living more effectively.
Where-ever you find yourself at this juncture of life, at a clear crossroads, dissatisfied, bored, confused, struggling with harmful habits, relationship difficulties, seeking assistance and support from a trained professional psychologist can reap great dividends.
When refusal to go to Therapy can be a bad sign
Those who know they are in trouble with some important area of their life who refuse to seek help, may not be ready to face up to the need to make important changes or may be afraid of being challenged about behaviours they know are causing damage and difficulty for themselves and others.
Sometimes a past bad experience with a counsellor can put someone off from ever trying again. Finding a skilled psychologist with whom one has a good rapport is essential for a successful psychotherapy experience.
What can you expect from therapy?
A good psychologist will be able to engage the reluctant client by creating rapport, trust and confidence, getting to know each person, and gradually assist them to identify areas that need attention. The need for change needs to be recognized by each person at their own pace, and therapeutic skill is required to get the right balance between support and challenge, when helping clients. Due attention must always be given to obstacles that may be in the way of making progress towards goals.
A student may want to achieve high grades, but if they are severely depressed or suffering debilitating anxiety, these important obstacles cannot be jumped over on the way to success. These mental health symptoms and concerns need to be addressed as a priority, before the person will be ready to move towards their goals with confidence.
Psychologists may offer short-term practical solutions as well as longer-term help to address underlying issues. Often if these underlying issues remain unresolved, symptoms will tend to return or new ones arise as a way of trying to cope with ongoing, unresolved psychological pain or trauma. Sometimes, dealing with difficult aspects of our lives can be painful at first. Yes it can take courage, but our experience shows us that the majority of people nearly always think its been worth it, and end up feeling so much better as a result of attending therapy sessions.
Selection of best treatment method depends on a range of factors including best practice and research evidence, therapist experience with particular approaches and methods, individual client needs and preferences, length of access to psychology sessions, and client motivation. Most good psychologists will tailor their treatment to the needs of the client for optimal results.
Remember, studies show the best predictor of a good therapy outcome is a strong therapeutic alliance between the client and therapist.
Anyone who makes the choice to attend therapy is acknowledging they value themselves and their life, as well as the lives of those around them, and is worthy of our respect. In other words, psychological therapy can be viewed as a highly valuable investment in one's own personal life and one's future well-being.
If you would like to learn more about therapy or if you would like to make an appointment, Pamela can be contacted by email.
Contact Details
Email: pamela.woods@bigpond.com