Five reasons to call a therapist

1.       Therapy is a proven effective technique to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression. Talk therapy helps you understanding what thoughts and situations may be causing feelings, which can increase anxiety and depression. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy teaches techniques to manage these symptoms and aide you in using new coping skills.  For example:  Are your thoughts “all or nothing”?  Is a relationship or work situation all “good” or “bad”? Therapy can help you with extreme ways of viewing relationships or situations, which can reduce anxiety and depression.

2.       You are a parent/guardian and would like to improve or get help with your child/adolescent and their stages of development. A therapist can work with you to come up with an individualized treatment plan to help you improve upon your parenting skills.

3.       You would like to talk to a professional about a problem with a relationship or career but have tried therapy in the past and have not found it helpful. The relationship between a client and therapist is very important and so even if you did not have a good experience with a therapist, try again.

4.       You have experienced a loss and feel overwhelmed by grief or sadness. Therapy can provide a safe way to be listened to and share your feelings whatever they may be.

5.       You want to explore life options, opportunities, or challenges. Often one may think that “therapy” will make you do something you don’twant to do. Therapist should not tell you what to do but work with you to come up with solutions that enhance your lifestyle.  

by Jackie DeCarlo, MA, LCSW