Why Therapy is Important

The Importance of Therapy

The need for counselling and psychotherapy is so clear- whether you are looking at how families are struggling to navigate conflict or how many professionals in various fields are experiencing burnout, the importance of having an outlet of support is very clear. Even so, choosing to begin therapy and the thought of opening up about your deepest insecurities to voicing out feelings you have kept inside can be extremely nerve racking and anxiety inducing. On the other hand, it can also be one of the most liberating and freeing things anyone can do to help move forward and heal. If you are unsure of how this is the case, then this article is for you. Let's explore some reasons why therapy is important.

1. It provides a safe and confidential space for you to name and explore your true feelings.

Sometimes we need a space to let some things out and in moments where you may feel unsure about who to release and explore your feelings with, therapy could be the way to go. Because therapists are bound by confidentiality and certain ethics, when clients share information it is kept in confidence (except in cases where we have a duty to warn). This then allows you to share freely without judgment or prejudice knowing that you can truly express yourself and your feelings and undoubtedly this can help lift a heavy weight off your shoulders. Therapy gives you a space to offload and release while providing support byway of talk therapy and resources to help you move through your emotions. Where naming and exploring your feelings may rupture some personal relationships, in therapy those relationships in your personal life are protected as you are not sharing details with them but a neutral 3rd party (therapist).

2. You gain tools and resources you can use in your relationships (platonic, familial, ect).

At every point in our lives relationships are important. Whether we are at school, work, church, or at home- whether we have kids, a spouse, parents, or friends- no matter the relationship, they all require work and dedication to make them last. Like anything, relationships can have breakdowns so having the right tools ahead of time can help people work through those challenging moments when they come and build lasting relationships. Even if you are having challenges now- it is never too late to get some tools to make it work. Also keep in mind that even if your relationships are doing well there is always room for improvement so seeking counselling on how to continuously help your relationship thrive is also a wise thing to do.

3. It offers a different perspective to help give your point of view more balance.

Hindsight is 20/20- that is what most people say but oftentimes when we share our thoughts, perspectives, and perceptions of certain situations, we receive some clarity and perspective that may not have otherwise been clear. The other point to consider is that no matter how objective and neutral a friend or family member may be, at times, the biases associated with knowing you may make them less inclined to share what they see or what they are noticing in a way that allows you to look introspectively. This then means that if there is a chance for growth, change, or exploration it may be missed however if you seek the support of a professional, they may be able to help guide you in seeking a more balanced perspective by helping you explore different points of views. Remember, therapists are trained to be aware of their own biases and keep them in check and this helps them mirror what you say without trying to skew your opinion as best as they possibly can.

4. Therapy helps you to harness your strengths and work on your weaknesses

Our weaknesses can actually help us see where our strengths are and where we need support. Having weaknesses or areas in which we are not so strong is not a bad thing because it forces us to seek help and support which actually helps us to build relationships. Additionally, tapping into your strengths may actually help you in areas you are weak. Say for instance you are naturally creative and truly gifted at cooking but at the same time, struggling to stay organized or keep the kitchen clean. How might you possibly use your strength to your advantage here? Well, you can develop a creative method/routine to help you stay organized and this is where counselling can be helpful as a counsellor can help support you in identifying your strengths and how to use them to support you in areas you are weak using various activities and worksheets.

5. Gives you a place and tools to support your healing.

Some of us have been through some really challenging and heartbreaking times that have left us broken , wounded, and hurt sometimes for months, days, years, and even decades. When the pain becomes too much to bear, having someone to help you understand what you have gone through, your current pain, and provide resources may be useful in helping you move forward. You may not necessarily need a therapist to do this especially if you have close friends and family however sometimes seeking additional support from a professional can help provide you with tools and resources required to move forward. It can also help prevent you from trauma dumping on family and friends who may not be properly equipped to help you work through trauma.

6. It can help you improve and maintain your overall mental health and mental wellbeing.

Even if you have no mental health challenges and overall you are doing well, having support from a therapist or counsellor can help keep everything in check. The same way you go in for a check up annually to make sure everything is okay physically, periodic therapy sessions just to check-in on your mental health, gain tools and resources, and just talk to someone can be very helpful in the long run.

Begin Your Journey Today

Choosing to start therapy can be very daunting but hopefully this blog has shown you why therapy is important. If you feel ready to take the leap today (or whenever you do), Click here to schedule your free consultation (Or call us directly at 905 904 1403) and take the first step toward clarity, healing, and wholeness.