Let’s instantly debunk one big myth about therapy: Seeking or participating in therapy does NOT mean you’re “crazy.” NOT AT ALL. In fact, it means quite the opposite. It means your intentional, introspective, and invested in your relationships, self-growth, and well-being. And almost everyone can benefit from therapy.
Where does this myth come from? The history of psychology has lent itself towards the social perception that only “crazy” people need therapy. This can likely be attributed to institutionalization that occurred many, many years ago and the types of treatment facilities and mental illnesses for which patients or their family members sought help. Fortunately, stigma surrounding mental health treatment continuously improves. This has been aided by everyday people seeking treatment, and celebrities and reality television shows that have helped to normalize treatment and in some instances, even make it desirable or a symbol of status. More and more often, mental health treatment is being openly discussed through all mediums and it is becoming more evident that all types of people can benefit from being in therapy.
Even if you don’t have a diagnosable mental illness or an identifiable problem, you can still benefit greatly from therapy. Many individuals, especially higher-functioning people such as business owners, employed and non-employed parents, college and graduate students, CEOs, celebrities, etc., seek therapy for balance, continuous self-growth, and self-actualization.
How Therapy Can Help You
Therapy is a very fluid process that is customized for each individual. Because of this, you can generally make therapy into whatever it is that you want to get out of it. In my work with patients, I remind each person that you define the problem areas to be worked on while I use specialized knowledge to help you make the changes you want to make. Therapy can help you in any way which you want it to because you define what you want to work on and ultimately put in the effort to make those changes.
The following are common reasons why patients come to see me when they are not having any specific struggles:
Self-Growth
Many patients come to me because they are wanting more in their lives and are seeking personal development. This may mean that they are wanting an objective and neutral third party to process through cognitions and enhance insight. Therapy can help with developing increased insight and awareness, setting and obtaining goals, or working through a longer-standing problem.
Balance
We all may define balance differently depending on the context in which this term is used. With regard to your mental and emotional well-being, which is often the focus of therapy, balance is important. It signifies achieving a state of neutrality and evenness. Therapy can help with obtaining and maintaining balance by helping to sort through thoughts, emotions, and actions. There are many ways that therapy can aid with balance, but this depends on your particular circumstances and the plan of action that would work best to support you with getting there.
Self-Actualization
Self-actualization, which is reaching one’s utmost potential, is a common goal of many patients. This term describes an individual’s attempt to keep bettering them self in all aspects of life. One can never officially “check the box” of obtaining self-actualization as it is more of a direction in life than a goal, but this is also what sustains the work of self-actualization in therapy. Working with a therapist, you can specify goals and develop a realistic plan for obtaining those goals as well as staying motivated. A therapist can be the buffer when you find yourself losing motivation or getting stuck with one of the many curve-balls that life throws you.
How Tampa Therapy Can Help
At Tampa Therapy, we strive to provide a relaxing environment with acceptance, open-mindedness, and non-judgment. We would love to help you make significant changes in your life, or even work steadfastly to maintaining that balance that you are already possess. Whatever the reason, give us a call. Remember, there are many reasons why people seek therapy. Whatever your reason, let me be clear: it is valid and you’re not “crazy!”