Why Everyone Can Benefit From Therapy
Jan 27, 2023
Therapy, also known as counseling or psychotherapy, is not just for individuals who are struggling with mental health issues. In fact, everyone can benefit from therapy in some way.
By working with a therapist, individuals can improve their communication skills, manage stress and anxiety, and set and achieve personal goals. A therapist can also help individuals understand and deal with past traumas and build resilience. Counseling provides a safe space for individuals to talk about their thoughts and feelings, and with the help of a therapist, they can work through any challenges they may be facing.
Improving your communication skills, learning how to manage stress and anxiety, and setting and achieving personal goals are just a few of the ways that everyone can benefit from therapy.
Symptoms and Emotions As Reasons For Therapy
Most Common Reasons You Might Seek Therapy
Therapy is a valuable tool for many people, and there are many different reasons why someone might seek therapy. Some of the most common reasons include improving physical and emotional health, understanding and improving relationships, and increasing productivity and overall satisfaction with life.
Many people seek therapy to address physical symptoms, such as chronic pain or sleep disorders, that have an emotional or psychological component. Others may be dealing with a difficult situation, such as a recent job loss or a relationship ending, and are seeking support and guidance to navigate these changes. Additionally, some people may be experiencing a range of emotions, such as anxiety or depression, that are affecting their daily lives and productivity.
Understanding the root causes of these symptoms and learning how to manage them can be incredibly beneficial. Overall, therapy can help people understand their situation and develop strategies to improve their physical and emotional health, relationships and productivity.
Debunking Myths About Therapy and Behavioral Health
Therapy Myths
There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding therapy that can prevent people from seeking the help they need. Some of the most common therapy myths include:
- Therapy is only for people with serious mental health issues: This is not true. Therapy can be beneficial for anyone, regardless of the severity of their issues. It can help people improve their mental and emotional well-being, set and achieve personal goals, and build resilience.
- Therapy is expensive and not covered by insurance: While therapy can be expensive, many insurance plans do cover it. Additionally, there are many low-cost or sliding-scale options available for those who are unable to afford traditional therapy.
- Talking about your problems will make them worse: This is not the case. In fact, talking about your problems with a therapist can help you understand and process them, which can lead to a reduction in symptoms.
- Therapy takes a long time to show results: It depends on the individual and the nature of their problem. Some people may start to feel better after just a few sessions, while others may take longer.
- Therapists will judge you: Therapists are trained professionals who are there to help, not judge. They are bound by strict confidentiality rules and will not share your information without your consent.
It’s important to remember that therapy is a personal journey and that everyone’s experience is different. It is important to find the right therapist and to be open and honest with them so that they can help you in the best way possible. Dispel these myths and take the first step towards improving your mental and emotional well-being by seeking therapy.
Therapists, Counselors, Psychologists, Psychiatrists and more
Types of Therapists and Mental Health Professionals
There are many different types of therapists and mental health professionals who offer different types of therapy and support. Some of the most common include:
- Psychiatrists: These are medical doctors who specialize in the treatment of mental health conditions. They can prescribe medication and provide therapy.
- Psychologists: These professionals hold a Ph.D. or Psy.D. and can provide therapy, conduct assessments and research.
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs): LCSWs are trained to provide therapy and support for individuals, families and groups. They can also provide case management and advocacy services.
- Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs): LPCs are trained to provide therapy and support for individuals, families and groups. They can also provide career counseling and support.
- Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs): MFTs are trained to provide therapy for couples and families.
- Substance Abuse Counselors: These professionals are trained to provide therapy and support for individuals struggling with substance abuse and addiction.
The right therapist or mental health professional for you will depend on your specific needs and concerns. It’s important to do your research and find a qualified professional who has experience in treating the issues you are dealing with.
The Right Therapy For Your Specific Needs
Common Types of Therapy
There are many different types of therapy available to help people address a wide range of mental health issues and concerns. Some of the most common types include:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that may be contributing to mental health issues.
- Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is another cognitive behavioral technique that employs mindfulness to help patients see and understand their negative thoughts, allowing them to gain some distance and alter how they react to those thoughts. MBCT might be right if: you suffer from recurrent depression, but MBCT can also be useful for many mental health issues.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of CBT that focuses on helping individuals regulate their emotions, improve relationships and build coping skills.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is a type of talk therapy that focuses on addressing current relationship problems and improving communication skills.
- Psychoanalysis and Psychoanalytic Therapy is a type of therapy is based on the theories of Sigmund Freud and focuses on exploring the unconscious mind and resolving past traumas.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of therapy that uses eye movements, sound or taps to help individuals process and heal from traumatic events.
- Humanistic Therapy is a type of therapy, which includes person-centered therapy, focuses on helping individuals achieve self-actualization and personal growth.
- Psychodynamic Therapy is rooted in psychoanalysis and is another one of the types of psychotherapy, but is a bit simpler. In this technique, your therapist will get to know your feelings, beliefs, and life experiences to help you recognize and change recurring patterns. It can be short-term (a few months) or as long as two years.
The right type of therapy for you will depend on your specific needs and concerns. It’s important to work with a qualified therapist to determine the best approach for you and to find a therapy that you feel comfortable with.
In addition to these types of therapy, there are also many different types of arrangements, such as therapy for individuals and groups. Here are just a few:
- Individual: This is the most common type of therapy. All therapy will be one-on-one unless otherwise stated.
- Family: Family therapy can be valuable for all familial relationships, whether between siblings, parents and children, or other family members. You may see these practitioners referred to as marriage and family therapists.
- Couples: Couples Therapy can be stigmatized as a sign that your relationship is falling apart, but it’s actually an incredible tool for developing a deeper bond or preparing for changes ahead. Many couples find value in this type of therapy when shifting responsibilities, like a change in the breadwinner or becoming parents.
- Group: Most group therapy deals with some form of substance abuse or addiction, but group therapy can also be useful for trauma, grief, and victims of physical abuse.
- Therapy for certain life events: Some therapists specialize in very specific life moments including but not limited to medical issues, childbirth, divorce, death, impotence, infertility, and others.
- Online vs in-person: It’s becoming more and more common for therapists to offer remote services via phone or video chat. If special situations prevent you from seeing a therapist in an office, this may be a great choice. At Two Chairs, we value the in-person element of therapy, and suggest building your trusting relationship with a therapist in-person whenever possible.
Changes In Health Habits: When To See a Therapist
Signs You Should See a Therapist
There are many signs that may indicate it’s time to see a therapist. Here are a few:
- Your eating and sleeping habits have changed: Either you’re getting too much or not enough of either. Either can be detrimental.
- Struggling with low self-esteem: If you are feeling down about yourself and are having trouble seeing your own potential, a therapist can help you increase your self-esteem.
- Struggling with relationships: Whether it’s a long-term partnership or just friendships, if you’re finding it hard to connect or communicate with others, a therapist can help you identify and address the issues.
- Overthinking: If you are struggling to turn off your mind and find yourself overthinking things, a therapist can help you reduce this negative behavior.
- Having trouble dealing with specific emotions: If you’re finding it hard to deal with certain emotions and they’re impacting your ability to function, a therapist can help you identify and address the issues.
- Medical or mood symptoms: if you are experiencing physical or mental symptoms such as chronic pain, sleep disorders, depression or anxiety, a therapist can help you identify and deal with the underlying issues and reduce symptoms.
- Addressing negative behavior: If you are struggling with negative behavior patterns that you can’t seem to shake, a therapist can help you identify the underlying issues and develop strategies for change.
It’s important to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength and it’s possible for an individual to improve their ability to deal with the issues they are facing and enhance their potential.
The Benefits of Therapy and Behavioral Health Counseling
Therapy Benefits
Therapy can offer many benefits for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Some of the key benefits include:
- Decreasing the risk of mental health issues: By understanding and addressing underlying issues, therapy can help prevent the development of mental health problems.
- Improving communication: Therapy can help individuals increase their ability to communicate effectively and strengthen relationships with loved ones, including family and friends.
- Managing symptoms: A therapist can help you manage symptoms of various mental and physical health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.
- Improving relationships: Therapy can help individuals understand and improve relationships with others, including partners, family members, and friends.
- Increasing self-awareness and self-esteem: Through therapy, individuals can gain a better understanding of themselves, their thoughts, and their emotions, leading to an increase in self-esteem.
- Learning new coping strategies: A therapist can help individuals learn new ways to manage difficult situations, stress, and emotions.
- Improving productivity: therapy can help individuals with mental health issues to manage and reduce symptoms, which can lead to an increase in productivity in their personal and professional lives.
- Understanding and managing specific issues: A therapist can help individuals understand and manage specific issues, such as addiction, trauma, or grief.
It’s important to work with a qualified therapist to understand the specific therapy benefits that can help you in your situation. Therapy can be a powerful tool for individuals looking to improve their overall well-being, and it can help prevent future mental health issues.
The Best Therapists in Wichita, Kansas
How To Find a Therapist
Finding a therapist can be a daunting task, but there are many resources available to help you find the right provider for your needs. Here are a few tips on how to find a therapist:
- Online resources: There are many online directories that allow you to search for therapists in your area based on factors such as location, insurance coverage, and areas of expertise.
- Ask for a referral: Your primary care physician or healthcare provider may be able to give you a referral to a therapist.
- Get a recommendation: Ask friends, family, or other healthcare professionals if they know of any therapists they would recommend.
- Check with your insurance: Your insurance provider may have a list of in-network therapists you can choose from. Make sure to check with your insurance company to find out what mental health benefits are covered and how to access them.
- Know the difference between a counselor and a psychologist: Counselors and psychologists are both mental health professionals, but they may have different levels of training and education.
- Be specific about what you are looking for: When searching for a therapist, make sure to be specific about what kind of treatment you are looking for. Some therapists specialize in certain areas, such as couples therapy or addiction treatment.
- Go with your gut: Finally, when you find a therapist you are interested in, it’s important to trust your instincts. If you don’t feel comfortable with a therapist, it’s important to keep looking for one that is the right fit for you. When considering a therapist, ask yourself:
- Do you feel like you can talk to this person?
- Do you feel like you can be honest with this person?
- Does it feel like this person accepts you?
- Is this person a good listener?
- Will they customize their approach for you?
It’s important to remember that finding the right therapist may take time, but it’s worth the effort to find someone who can help you with your specific needs. With the right therapist, you can take the first step toward improving your mental and emotional well-being.
Searching for a “therapist near me?” Looking for therapists in Wichita, Kansas? We can help!
At HealthCore Clinic, our culturally appropriate mental health and substance abuse services are designed to reduce stigma and provide a comfortable and safe environment for the management of anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioral support for other mental health and medical diagnoses.
Our team of therapists and behavioral health specialists in Wichita, Kansas is here to help. We approach therapy with dignity, respect, and integrity — you are the leader of your behavioral health team. As well, we understand the systems in our body are connected, so why should healthcare be fragmented?
Our integrated care approach means that our clients have convenient, affordable access to improve their whole health and wellness—with medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services all under one roof.
We also believe financial concerns should not be a barrier to receiving high-quality healthcare services. We accept KanCare / Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, and private insurance. We also offer sliding scale fees and prescription assistance for those not covered by insurance.
Book an appointment today by requesting a therapy consultation online or by calling us at 316-691-0249.