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Can Individual Therapy Help Me?

Most worried thoughts attack in the wee hours of the morning. 

These pesky thoughts creep in with a little warning. You wake up and can’t go back to sleep. You run through possible scenarios again and again. It seems impossible to control your worst fears. You think about your life, your marriage, your kids, and your job. All the things that aren’t going well or need to be done. You know that you should be sleeping but you can’t let go of the problems.

What happens when those worries also invade your waking hours? This might be the time to consider going to therapy. But, how do you know if therapy will help?

Lots of people have opinions about therapy and whether it will help. Even though it has become more acceptable (thank you Pandemic), many still warn against it. They try to reassure you that everything will be fine, or that you can handle your problems on your own. They will tell you that other people will judge you for it.

You probably have some of the same worries:.

“Only crazy people need therapy. If you are going, something must be really wrong with you.” 
“If anyone found out, I would be SO embarrassed.” 
“Only weak people need help. I’m strong enough to handle my own problems.”

Yet, you wonder if therapy could help you.  You’ve been feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed. Nothing seems to make it better. You’re wrestling with a problem that feels impossible to solve. You can’t stop acting in a way that is troubling you. The people around you are getting on your last nerve ALL OF THE TIME.

Many people become frustrated and exhausted from trying to solve the problem alone. But, the truth is, almost everyone could benefit from therapy at some point in their lives. You don’t have to wait until you are at the end of your rope.

How do you know when to get help from a professional?

Therapists can help with a wide range of problems. If you go to therapy when the problems are small, they are easier to fix. So, in this case, sooner is better than later.

Besides, as a whole, therapists are nice, caring, empathetic people.

When can therapy help?

  • When you feel overwhelmed, distressed, or stressed more than the situation calls for. 
  • When problems or symptoms interfere with your everyday life.  If you can’t do the basic things you used to do, that’s a good sign.
  • When thinking about the problem or coping with symptoms takes up more than an hour a day.
  • When you are dealing with an issue that you’re too embarrassed to talk with others about.
  • When you’ve started avoiding situations or other people due to your symptoms.
  • When you need to work on a problem with your emotions, thinking, or relationships.
  • If you often think, “I’m not functioning at my best” or “There’s something wrong with me.”
  • If you feel stuck in repeating patterns that harm you or keep you from getting what you want in life.
  • During overwhelming life transitions.
  • After a traumatic experience.
  • If you have physical symptoms that don’t respond to medical interventions.
  • When you need a safe, supportive, unbiased space to talk and process things.
  • If your support system doesn’t offer enough support.
  • If a loved one suggests that it would help you.

These are many of the reasons and there are many more.  You probably know in your gut whether you need help with a situation.

Most people go to therapy to solve a problem and end up solving a bunch of others, too. You may really like having someone to support you. Your therapist’s job is to be on your side all of the time. Where else can you get that?

Let me assure you–you know people who are in therapy and love it.

If you want to know if your problems can get better with therapy, talk with a therapist to find out. The Couples Counseling Center and many other therapy practices offer a short, free consultation. You won’t tackle the problem during that call. But you can learn whether therapy can help in your specific situation.

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Meet Cheri Timko!

She is a seasoned Couples Psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience. Certified in Gottman Couples Therapy and Relationship Enhancement, she’s dedicated to helping couples overcome challenges and cultivate extraordinary relationships.

Cheri’s passion lies in providing a personalized roadmap for each unique couple, instilling hope, and equipping them with the tools for lasting success. Discover the transformative power of a great relationship.

Want help for your relationship? Schedule a free phone consultation to learn how Couples Therapy can help you.

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