8 Signs You Might Need Therapy:

Here’s the thing, I think everyone (yes, everyone) can benefit from therapy. Why, you ask? Because everyone is out here experiencing life, it is impossible to experience life without ups and downs, grief, heartache, confusion, change, disasters, etc. Sometimes we need added support and insight to navigate change and confusion. Of course this is a biased opinion considering I am a therapist, so here are some signs to indicate whether you could benefit from seeking services: 

1. Physical symptoms*

   You are experiencing muscle tension, usually around your neck, shoulders, or jaw. Maybe you grind your teeth at night or find yourself clenching your hands, or legs and holding tension in your body. When you get worried your stomach gets uneasy and/or your chest feels heavy and it’s hard to breathe, or you find yourself picking at your lips, your cuticles, or bits of skin. You have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, feeling rested in the morning, or wish you could sleep all of the time, and your dreams are connected to stress or fear. Our bodies and our brains are intrinsically connected and consistently affect one another. Working through mental and emotional issues can reduce physical symptoms and ailments. 

2. Overly Emotional

   Emotions are natural and healthy. But sometimes you may find yourself having reactions that don’t quite match the intensity of the situation. Clients often come to therapy wanting to control or avoid feeling negative emotions, or to “fix” themselves. The intent, however, is to feel and process emotions, and if needed, adjust our reaction to these emotions and our relationship with them. Having a safe place to express what you are feeling, being validated, and receiving reassurance and/or coping skills can make a big difference in how your emotions are expressed and received. 

3. Never emotional

   Others have questioned why you never get upset, or cry, or have displays of feeling or emotion. Maybe you wonder why you don’t grieve the same as others, or express what you’re feeling, or feel anything at all. Sometimes it’s easier to not feel rather than deal with the pain of living, resulting in shutting down and avoiding our emotions. While tempting, this can result in larger issues later on (breakdowns, explosions, physical symptoms, lack of connection with others, etc). During the therapeutic process, you can learn to find not only words but meaning to feeling and expressing your emotions. As you learn to process and release emotions, you’ll feel as if a weight has been lifted, and have a greater sense of peace. 

4. Difficulty communicating

   You struggle to express your thoughts and feelings. Maybe you want to be understood but you don’t have the language to communicate that, or maybe you’ve given up on trying and have deferred to being the ‘strong silent type’. Sometimes we don’t see the point in talking about what we are feeling, or how it can benefit us. Therapy can help give you the words and skills you need to be able to share your experience with those around you. As you open yourself up to sharing your thoughts and feelings with others, you will experience deeper connections and more meaningful relationships. 

5. Complicated relationships

   Relationships can be hard, whether it’s friendships, romantic partnerships, or family, when issues arise within the relationship it affects you as an individual. We rely on connections and relationships to meet many of our basic needs, and when those are suffering, we in turn can suffer. Individuals, families, and couples benefit from having a safe, neutral place to process challenging experiences and/or dynamics. Therapy can help with setting healthy boundaries, reaffirming or redefining our roles within relationships, and can reduce aches and increase self-worth. 

6. Loss of direction or purpose

   It’s hard to know what you want to be when you grow up. Most people, regardless of age, struggle to know their purpose or what shape they would like their life to take. When we experience a major change or transition, it can leave us feeling lost, alone, and unsure of how to move forward. Having a space to talk through your current situation, strengths, and interests can help you to have a better understanding of where you want to be. Or to accept that life is full of passions and our paths are uniquely our own and ever-changing. 

7. Lack of identity

   It’s common to lose yourself in a relationship, a career, an existential crisis, a mental illness, or even in the monotony of everyday life. We forget to take time for hobbies, interests, introspection, and self-discovery. You wake up one day and wonder how you got to this point in your life, and why you don’t feel like “you” anymore. Therapy attempts to provide an objective perspective and reassess and accept who you are now and who you would like to become.  

8. Low self-worth

   Whether it shows up as people pleasing, body image issues, lack of motivation, or a critical internal dialog, low self-worth can affect not just the way you feel about yourself but the way you move in the world, the choices you make, and what you allow yourself to engage in and accomplish. Having a professional to guide and support you as you learn about yourself and build your self-worth can make an incredible difference in your life. 

   These are some of the common issues seen in therapy, however, this is not a full list of reasons why individuals, couples, and families do and should see therapy. Having a professional listener, unbiased opinion sharer, validator, unconditional supporter, and occasional call you out-er can and does make a difference in millions of lives each day. If you’re considering talking to someone, reach out, and begin your journey of acceptance, wellness, and growth. 

*NOT a medical professional, and NOT the only reason you could be experiencing these symptoms. If you have physical/medical concerns, please talk to your doctor.