‘Do I need psychotherapy’ is a question many people find hard to answer. This article outlines some simple steps to help you answer this question.
- List 5 reasons for considering psychotherapy.
An example might be ‘I’m not happy although everything seems fine in my life.’ - List any other steps you have taken to deal with those 5 reasons.
‘My life seems on the outside to be ok. I’ve got friends, am fairly healthy, have worked hard, gone on holidays etc. – but nothing really hits the spot?’ - List what has worked for you so far, and what hasn’t.
‘Sometimes I feel better than others but I can’t identify what makes the difference.’ - List 1 thing you would like to gain from psychotherapy?
‘I’d like some clarity for myself on why I feel this way?’
See how useful it is to focus a little? Even though ‘I’m not happy’ can mean various things for different people – a few simple questions can help you to identify what you would like help with. When you have some idea, however vague, it is easier to shop around for someone who may be able to help you.
The skill of psychotherapy
A common misunderstanding is the belief that a person needs to be severely disturbed to use the services of a psychotherapist. This is not the case.
While a skilled psychotherapist can work with severe psychological disturbances, the same skills can also be useful to a person experiencing any level of inner discomfort. If you are interested in looking beneath the surface of your experience, a preliminary meeting will help to determine if the service offer is right for you at this time.
Can I help you?
My service is about offering you the benefit of my skills in a collaborative environment with view to supporting you towards a deeper understanding of whatever personal challenging times you are experiencing. Read more about my qualifications and professional affiliations. Know that you do not need to struggle alone. My service is tailored to meet the needs of each person individually. Appointments are available in person or via Skype.
Instead of wondering ‘Do I need psychotherapy?’ Call me and I will be happy to answer any questions you have. There is no such thing as a stupid question.