LEDESMABABY

Growing up, I always thought, because I was told, therapy was only for “crazy” people who needed it.

Now, I laugh and say, “everyone needs therapy.”

I was hesitant to go at first. I can’t tell you how nervous I was.

I spoke to one of my closest friends who urged me to go (thanks Mads!) and for that, I am so thankful for her pushing me to go.

I went through a couple of therapists before I found the right one for me. And that’s perfectly normal. You need to find the right person you can trust.

Therapy has been such a relief to me for the past year.

If you read my last post The Human Mind, you know what I’m talking about.

With everything going on, it’s nice to just let it out. Some of you may think, “but to a stranger?” Yes! In my opinion, it’s even better.

Why?

1. It’s their job to listen and advise. So there’s no judgement.
2. They have no idea who you are when you walk into their office for the first time. Whereas, if it were someone you knew, it’s a little harder to open up to them completely, knowing they may judge or possibly tell someone you know.

It’s hard to talk to the people around you, maybe you have a friend or two you talk to, but it’s hard because you don’t want to feel judged by the people closest to you. You feel no one will understand.

I’ve noticed when I tell a friend or family about something to just vent, they don’t pay attention or don’t listen, so I just stop talking and say “forget it.”

I’ve learned no one has to understand your story. Some may, but not everyone.

Well, no one NEEDS to. You’re the one that went through a hardship, or whatever is causing you pain. You don’t need someone else to understand in order for your feelings to be valid.

Does that make sense?

We can often tell someone how we’re feeling and they respond with, “I get it. I understand what you are feeling.”

* Word of advice if you’re the listener – Don’t respond like that. Unless you’ve been in that person’s exact situation, you don’t understand.

Another reason I am so pro-therapy, a therapist doesn’t pretend to “understand” your situation. They get to the root of the issue and make you dig so deep down inside to help figure out how to fix it.

I’ve learned so much about myself and have worked on bettering myself and my relationships with certain people in my life within the past year.

In no means, will it work in just one session or conversation. It takes time.

I’ve noticed in the past year, I’ve changed for the better.

I will say, a lot of people don’t notice how, but it doesn’t matter. I know I’ve changed. My therapist knows and has told me. So that’s all that matters.

If you’ve been on the fence about trying therapy, I urge you to try it!

If you’re someone who says, “I don’t need therapy.” Sorry to break it to you, but you probably do. Most people who say they don’t NEED therapy, are the one’s who need it the most. Get out of your own head and ego and go.

You have a lot to gain than to lose with just giving it a shot.

My advice to anyone going to therapy or deciding to go, is to just be open and honest. If you aren’t being open and honest with your therapist, you aren’t being honest with yourself.