Who visits a therapist?

All kinds of people of every age and from every walk of life. I have seen students, lawyers, doctors and other professionals, the retired and stay at home parents, business owners, CEOs and factory workers… we all need help at some point in our lives whoever we are.

My own journey to becoming a therapist started in my 20s after seeing a therapist a few times and I experienced the profound relief of talking openly to a counsellor who didn’t judge me and who listened very well.

Experiencing one or more from the list below is often what motivates many people to talk to a therapist :

• A desire to grow and reach our potential

• Feelings of sadness or helplessness we can’t shake off on our own.

• Finding it hard to cope with everyday problems.

• Difficulty concentrating on work or studies most of the time.

• Drinking too much, taking drugs, or being aggressive to the extent that is harming themselves or others.

• Feeling stuck - a sense that problems never improve, despite receiving help from friends and family.

• Feeling constantly on edge or worrying unnecessarily.

• Relationship difficulties and divorce

• Experiencing distress caused by a sudden loss such as death of a loved one

• The loss of a sense of meaning and purpose or wish to find new goals/direction

Sometimes people wish to get to know themselves better and they use therapy as part of their journey of self discovery and personal growth. For many of us though, the courage to embark on a course of therapy is motivated by pain. Our ability to tolerate pain is not unlimited and it is very often pain that gives us the impetus to improve our lives.

Whatever motivates you to consider counselling or psychotherapy, a majority of people feel better speaking to someone professional who is trained to listen deeply to you with empathy and unconditional positive regard.

A good therapist doesn’t tell you what to do or how to live your life. He or she will give you an experienced outside perspective and help you gain insight into yourself so that you can make better choices.