Why You Need To Get a Therapist ASAP

Dear Selfless Esteem,
I read recently that going to therapy is helpful because it helps a person work on their problems by talking to a therapist. What’s the work that’s being done, and how can a therapist help? What’s the best way to utilize a therapist so that it’s advantageous?
Signed Curious

Dear Curious,

Good questions! I’m glad you asked because I think therapy can benefit everyone. Even therapists have therapists. 😊

There’s no such thing as perfect mental health. For this reason, there shouldn’t be a stigma for having mental health services, and everyone should get a therapist as soon as possible. Even if you’re just a little miffed about something, a competent therapist can offer a different perspective and/or coach you through your frustrations.

Let’s break down your letter into three parts. 1) What’s the work that’s being done in therapy? 2) How can a therapist help? 3) What’s the best way to utilize a therapist so that it’s advantageous?

The Therapeutic Process

You asked about the work being done in therapy. First, the therapist will make an assessment. Then, the therapist will make a treatment plan based on that. This can include interventions, referrals to other professionals, and additional therapy, such as group therapy and family therapy.

Throughout treatment, your therapist can use outcome measures to show your progress. This is useful for celebrating achievements and adjusting the treatment plan if necessary.

For more details, see the article, “Understanding Psychotherapy and How It Works” by the American Psychological Association for its thorough explanation, including payment methods and what to expect in your first session.

The Therapeutic Relationship

You asked how a therapist can help. According to clients’ feedback, the therapist/client relationship is the most supportive factor in therapy. John Norcross, PhD, explains the significance of the therapeutic relationship in this psychalive.org video.

The following are three components in a good working relationship with your therapist.

1) Trust—so that you can express your thoughts and feelings freely and confidentially.
2) Collaboration–to create goals together (See “What Is Wise Counsel and Good Therapy?” for more information.)
3) Unconditional positive regard—to help with the healing process of painful, past experiences and current life stressors

Thus, selecting a therapist should involve careful consideration. When you contact the therapist, ask what their theoretical orientation is. A few examples are psychodynamic, solution-focused, and cognitive-behavioral. Ask about their work experience and training. (See “Types of Mental Health Professionals” by NAMI.) Some therapists offer a free initial session. All of this information can help with the decision-making process.

The #1 Counselor

At the same time, keep in communication with God, who’s the perfect helper (See and “How To Pray in 5 Simple Steps.”) God promises, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye” (Psalm 32:8). Furthermore, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are referred to as “counselor” (Isaiah 9:6 NKJV, John 14:26 MEV).

Additionally, God’s unconditional, everlasting love (Romans 8:38-39) is a source of healing. For more information about God’s love, see the posts, “Why Selfless Esteem Is Better Than Self-Esteem” and “The Real Truth About God.”

The Best Way To Maximize the Benefit of Therapy

You asked what would be “the best way to utilize a therapist so that it’s advantageous.” Attending sessions consistently and participating in the interventions is crucial. Sometimes, the therapist may challenge your thought and behavior patterns and assign homework designed to practice new skills. Therefore, be sure to complete the assignments too.

In summary, therapy is beneficial for everyone as well as having a relationship with God. “God is our protection and source of strength. He is always ready to help us in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1 ERV). 🌠

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New King James Version®. Copyright © 1984 by Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, TN. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

If you’ve found this blog interesting, please share it on social media. And be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest content.

Click here to ask a question about a life stressor you are facing. Your question and Selfless Esteem’s answer could be featured in a blog.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Thanks for subscribing!

Newsletter

Subscribe to receive notification of our latest content.

I agree to receive:

Promotional emails

The latest post

I accept the privacy policy.

You may unsubscribe at any time using the link in our newsletter.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By clicking below to submit this form, you acknowledge that the information you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with their terms of use

SUBSCRIBE