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You may have heard people say that anyone and everyone should go to therapy.
Therapy is hard work, but it is worth it.
In fact, research shows that more than 70% of people who attend therapy see some improvement.
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Knowing when therapyisn’ta good idea for you is as much self-care as going to therapy is.
Read on to find out how you could know if therapy is the wrong treatment for you right now.
(FYI, just because nows not the time, doesnt mean it never will be.)
Read on to learn when therapy might not be the right thing for you.
Money
Financial constraints may be one of the biggest roadblocks to therapy.
However, research shows that this can go both ways.
Research in England showed that therapy could be up tothirty-two timesmore effective at making one happy than a raise.
(This, presumably, is among a population whose basic needs are already met).
However, financial stress can cause mental health issues.
Too Angry
Yes, its possible to be too angry for therapy!
And thats fineanger is nothing to be ashamed of.
In fact,angeris one of the original primitive emotionsits primal purpose is to keep us safe.
Your anger is keeping you safe if youre not necessarily ready to be feeling those things.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
The idea is that someone experiencing suicidality or self-harm needs more immediate intervention than traditional therapy can usually provide.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
However, if youareon medication," Henry advises, “you shouldnt be without a therapist.
Research shows that the best combination is therapyandmedication.
What If You Decide That Therapy Isn’t Right For You at This Time?
Here are a few that come therapist-recommended by Dr. Henry.
Recognize What Your Baseline Is
Dr. Henry recommends thinking about what your baseline might be.
In other words, think about who you are when you’re calm and at ease.
Dr. Racine Renee Henry
Know what your own normal iswhat your home base is.
However, even attending therapy when you feel good is OK too!
you’re able to talk about other things and learn more things about yourself during that time.
Maybe you like to paint or run or go to museums.
Fill up your time with things that bring you joy.
Ingroup therapy, sessions are moderated by a mental health professional.
Rather than one-on-one therapy, you and several other people experiencing similar challenges or conditions can join.
Also, group therapy is often much cheaper than individual therapy.
Peer support specialists are certified and they can assist you as you work on recovery.
Listen to yourself and be respectful of your needs.
The Great Psychotherapy Debate: The Evidence for What Makes Psychotherapy Work.
2019;0. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00781
Bray B.Addressing intimate partner violence with clients.
Hartgrove Behavioral Health System.When should you consider group therapy?
The answer might surprise you.
Mental Health America.What Is a Peer?.
