Benefits of Therapy
You could gain from mental health services if any of the below apply:
- You're not achieving your potential with work, family, friends and relaxation.
- There is too much conflict in your life (even if you rarely feel it is your fault).
- There is not enough friendship and love in your life.
- You often feel isolated and lonely.
- You aren't accepted by peers.
- You have difficult and hurtful relationships.
- You feel paranoid, depressed, anxious, sad, fidgety.
- You have not fully worked through an unhappy childhood.
- It is hard to keep a job or you are not sure you are in the right job.
- At work less talented people often get raises or promotions before you.
- You have an addiction.
- It is difficult to relax or find much pleasure.
- You often feel fearful, anxious, depressed or angry.
- You neglect your health or appearance.
- You want to "find yourself" or "figure out more about yourself."
Here is a list of some of the main issues people seek with counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed clinical social workers, psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychotherapists:
- Academic problems
- Aggressiveness
- Abuse
- Anger
- Anxiety including panic attacks
- Assertiveness training
- Break-ups
- Cheating and infidelity
- Child behavioral and emotional problems
- Co-dependency
- Complacency
- Coping with pain and illness
- Couples concerns
- Depression
- Discrimination or harassment
- Divorce and/or separation
- Eating problems including bulemia, anorexia, overeating
- emotional eating
- Family discord and family therapy
- Gay / lesbian / bisexual / transgender issues
- Grief and loss issues
- Identity problems
- Loneliness
- Life changes
- Marital and relationship concerns
- Mediation
- Obsessive-compulsive thoughts and behavior
- Parenting or step-parenting relationships
- Post-partum
- Pre-marital counseling
- Recovering from abuse or assault
- Self-esteem concerns
- Stress
- Workplace, job and career concerns
Please note:
This is not a complete list of reasons to seek a professional. It is often difficult for people to evaluate themselves. Almost everyone can benefit from therapy or a life coach. A highly-trained professional who knows your particular situation can help you decide what steps are best for you.