Do I Need Therapy And Will It Help Me?

Therapy can be a very valuable resource for people trying to overcome obstacles in their lives. However, many people are curious whether it is right for them, how well it works, and how long it takes to see improvement. This article will attempt to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about therapy so that you can get a better understanding of its process and effectiveness.

What is therapy?

Psychotherapy involves the use of techniques to psychologically treat mental disorders or maladjusted behaviors instead of using medicine to treat patients. Although therapy through medication may be recommended in some cases and can be used concurrently with psychotherapy. 

In addition to treating people's mental health concerns, therapy can also help patients gain insight about themselves and can be used to facilitate personal growth. Many types of psychotherapy are available, and some of the more common include: 

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Client-centered therapy
• Family & couples therapy
• Interpersonal therapy
• Dialectical behavioral therapy
• Existential therapy

What can therapy be used for?

If you were wondering, "Should I go to therapy?" it may be beneficial to know some of the common reasons people seek mental health counseling. 

• Addressing a specific mental health diagnosis, such as anxiety or depression 
• Dealing with a chronic physical illness
• Learning how to cope with stress
• Addressing relationship and family concerns
• Developing communication and other interpersonal skills
• Managing grief or bereavement
• Overcoming substance use and dependency
• Managing sleep disorders

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

Reasons to seek therapy

There are many other reasons to seek therapy, and it is often the case that a person discovers a deeper need for therapy after starting the process. It may be helpful to work with a therapist specifically to determine what concerns may be worth bringing to a therapy session. 

According to the American Psychological Association, mental health and physical health are strongly correlated. Seeking mental health care may help you make changes that benefit your physical health as well as your mental health. 

Building resilience with the help of a therapist can significantly improve overall wellness. If you can adapt and cope with stress, you will likely have a much stronger emotional well-being, leading to better relationships and optimism. 

Should I use individual or group therapy?

Therapy sessions can take place in a one-on-one or group setting. Group therapy and individual therapy have some specific use cases, but in many circumstances, you can choose the therapy method that works best for you. 

For example, some people like group therapy because it allows them to connect with other people. You can listen to their stories and discuss what is on your mind.

On the other hand, some people might not like the idea of speaking in groups and would prefer to have individual therapy sessions. Talking to a therapist one-on-one can relieve some pressure and anxiety and allow you to open up more comfortably, but you may lose the benefits of interacting with others who have similar experiences. 

Ultimately, it's up to you which one you choose, and either one can be effective depending on your personal needs. You will likely be able to try different therapy approaches before you settle on one that is correct for you. 

Does therapy help?

Coping with life changes, managing stress, fixing relationship issues, and addressing mental conditions are all examples of why people use therapy. Many people have found it beneficial and have successfully addressed their concerns.

A poll of over 59 million Americans indicated that  80 percent of them found therapy to be an effective tool. It is also worth noting that out of the 11.2 million adults with a serious mental illness, 66.7 percent of them, which equates to about 7.5 million, received treatment, indicating that therapy is likely a powerful tool for those with significant mental health conditions. 

Substantial evidence supports the effectiveness of many therapy models. One of the most well-studied is cognitive behavioral therapy, which has been shown to be effective for general mental health management and the treatment of complex disorders.

How to find a therapist

The most basic option is to search the internet to see if there are any local therapists in the area. For example, you can type "depression and anxiety therapist near me" into your preferred search engine and examine the top results. You may also be able to see reviews, which can give you the confidence that you are making the right decision.

Another option is to see if there are any therapists in your insurance network using your insurance company’s search tool. Your health insurance provider may have a directory of therapists who can help you. Alternatively, your doctor may be able to refer you to a therapist as well.

Efficacy of online therapy

You might also consider online therapy as an option to access a therapist. Online therapy is becoming increasingly popular, and although most online therapy platforms don’t accept most insurance, many have found it to be more affordable than alternative options. In addition, online therapy avoids the hassle of traveling to an office and may offer access to more therapists than are available near you. 

What the research says about online therapy

Online therapy is also known to be effective. Evidence suggests that therapy is no less effective when delivered remotely than in-person for most cases. However, some forms of therapy don’t work well online, and online therapists generally don’t use these methods. Most common therapy approaches though, like cognitive behavioral therapy, are considered robust and effective when administered online. 

Takeaway

If you have any concerns related to your mental health or overall well-being, seeing a therapist may be helpful. Therapy is a flexible process, and you typically have the option of being selective regarding which therapist you choose and which therapeutic techniques appeal to you. You may want to consider booking an appointment with a therapist and working with them to see if they offer services that would benefit you. Even if they do not, they may be able to refer you to another professional who might be a better fit. Online therapy is also an option, which may be more affordable and expand the number of therapists you have to choose from.