What is therapy?

“Therapy, also called psychotherapy or counseling, is the process of meeting with a therapist to resolve problematic behaviors, beliefs, feelings, relationship issues, and/or somatic responses (sensations in the body). Beginning therapy can be a big step toward being the healthiest version of yourself and living the best life possible—no matter what challenges you may be facing. Through therapy, you can change self-destructive behaviors and habits, resolve painful feelings, improve your relationships, and more…”https://www.goodtherapy.org/what-is-therapy.html

What really happens in a therapy session?

FAQ about therapy sessions!

Q: Do I have to be “sick” or “disturbed” to go see a therapist? NO!

Q: How can I choose the right therapist for my goal/situation?

Q: What actually happens during a therapy session?

Q: Will I have to talk about my childhood?

Q: How long will I have to go to therapy?

Q: Is meeting with a therapist over the phone—or through video chat—just as effective as meeting in person?

Q: Why see a therapist? Why not just talk to a friend or someone in my family?"

Answers: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/all-grown/201512/what-really-happens-in-therapy-session

To sum it up:

Therapy is a valuable tool that can help you to solve problems, set and achieve goals, improve your communication skills, or teach you new ways to track your emotions and keep your stress levels in check…If you are curious about working with a therapist, that curiosity is worth pursuing. Consider setting up one or two sessions, keep an open mind, and see how things unfold. You have very little to lose and, potentially, a lot of clarity, self-understanding, and long-lasting happiness to gain.”

Answers: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/all-grown/201512/what-really-happens-in-therapy-session

When to seek help for a child or teen.

'“Yet what seems like a normal childhood difficulty can sometimes turn into something more serious. Dr. Eastman says you should be concerned if your child (to name a few):

• Has problems in multiple areas of life, such as family relationships, academic performance, leisure activities and friendships.

• Starts feeling bad about himself or herself, less confident or less effective.

• Shows excessive worry about the future.

• Expresses hopelessness.

• Withdraws from family, friends or activities he or she used to enjoy.

• Has a significant change in sleep habits or appetite.

• Engages in negative behavior more frequently.

• Has repetitive, self-destructive behaviors such as hair-pulling or skin-picking.

• Talks about or engages in any kind of self-harm.

• Makes comments like “I wish I weren’t here,” or “Nobody would care if I ran away.” Talks explicitly about suicide.

Dr. Eastman also recommends that parents trust their gut. “You know your child best. If something just doesn’t feel right, trust that instinct. It’s better to go and get something checked out if you’re not sure.”’https://health.clevelandclinic.org/11-signs-your-child-may-need-a-therapist/

More reasons people go to therapy.

“For comparison, look at two ways you manage your physical health: a visit to your M.D. versus working out at the gym. You go to a physician to treat a medical problem: You feel symptoms and seek treatment to return to your “normal” state. By contrast, you go to the gym to get healthy, achieve a higher physical potential, and generally make a good life better. Two different approaches to health, one focused on illness and the other wellness. Therapy is unique in that it acts as the psychological equivalent of both the M.D. and the gym. We go to therapy to treat problems as well as improve an already decent life.”https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/in-therapy/201403/8-more-reasons-go-therapy