Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is a tool that many people turn to when wanting to have a better understanding of their personal mental health. Just as you would see a doctor when something doesn’t feel right with your body, psychotherapists are there for you when something doesn’t feel right, mentally or emotionally. Whether you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, or trauma, there are many benefits to meeting with a licensed professional to talk things through.
1. SAYING THINGS OUT LOUD
When you sit down for the first time with your therapist, it’s normal to initially feel timid. Once you get comfortable, you may realize that you’re voicing certain feelings or behaviours out loud for the first time. Hearing yourself recognize these things is a great first step in moving forward to bettering your mental health. It’s also a popular belief that saying things out loud, using talk therapy as an example, is a great stress reliever.
2. AN UNBIASED POINT OF VIEW
Speaking to a friend, partner, or family member may feel like therapy to some people, but it’s more beneficial to speak to a professional who is a third-party. Your therapist will be able to offer you a point of view that isn’t clouded by a personal relationship. By speaking with someone who is unbiased, you’re going to be able to see things from outside of your situation. Seeing the situation from an outside perspective will lead to a clearer understanding of how to move forward.
3. RECOGNIZING PATTERNS
Once you’ve expressed and recognized how certain things may trigger certain unwanted or unpleasant feelings, you’re likely to see a pattern of behavior that is a direct result of these feelings. Being able to recognize these patterns will show you what to look out for in your daily life that’s negatively affecting your mental health. As you learn to recognize these patterns, you’re more easily able to find strategies to overcome those moments.
4. FINDING WAYS TO COMMUNICATE
Now that you’ve been able to recognize your triggers and reactions to those triggers, you’ll be able to talk to your therapist about how to communicate these feelings to the people around you on a daily basis. Your therapist will be able to tell you how to communicate boundaries, how to let people know if you need some time to collect yourself after a moment of panic, and even show you effective ways to ask for help. With mental health, communication is key, and through psychotherapy, you will be able to exercise boundaries and communicate thoughts and feelings. Ultimately, this will lead to a better understanding, not just for those around you, but for yourself as well.
5. LEARNING COPING TOOLS
Coping tools are an incredible resource for people living with mental illness. Your therapist will be able to show you different tools to use, whether it’s grounding exercises, journaling, physical activity, or another creative outlet for your feelings that is both safe and effective. Whatever coping tools you use, they will directly benefit you and your personal mental health journey. For those living with mental illness, psychotherapy is proven to be an incredible tool to put you on the path toward healing.
