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And Why You Might Want To Consider It Too
For years, I was the person who’d roll their eyes whenever someone mentioned it, but I want to tell you why I finally embraced therapy.
“I can solve my own problems,” I’d think. “Why would I pay someone to listen to me talk when I have friends?” I had constructed an entire fortress of reasons why therapy wasn’t for me, convinced that needing help somehow equated to weakness.
I couldn’t have been more wrong.
My journey to accepting therapy wasn’t linear or sudden—it was a slow, reluctant surrender to the reality that sometimes, we need more than just ourselves to untangle the complex web of thoughts and emotions we carry. Today, I want to share why I changed my mind and the transformative benefits of therapy I’ve experienced, in hopes that it might help you consider whether therapy could be valuable in your own life.
My Resistance Was Real
Let’s be honest: therapy comes with baggage. Cultural stigmas, financial concerns, and the vulnerability of opening up to a stranger all created a wall of resistance for me. I worried about being judged, about being labeled as “broken,” about admitting that perhaps I couldn’t handle everything on my own.
What finally pushed me to book that first session was a dramatic crisis and a very real realization that I kept circling the same patterns and reactions to the trauma I had experienced. And I finally had to confront the fact that I was unable to break free despite my best efforts. I was exhausted from trying to be my own therapist, coach, and critic all at once. Checkout this post here – How Therapy Saved My Life
7 Profound Benefits That Changed My Mind About Therapy
After several months of consistent therapy, I’ve experienced benefits that I never anticipated—benefits that have rippled through every aspect of my life. Here are the seven most significant changes I’ve noticed:
1. A Safe Space Without Judgment
There’s something uniquely powerful about having a space where you can say absolutely anything without fear of judgment or needing to protect someone else’s feelings. My therapist doesn’t have the emotional investment in my decisions that friends or family might, allowing for an objectivity that’s impossible to find elsewhere.
Unlike venting to friends (which often leads to well-meaning but unhelpful advice), therapy provides a structured environment focused solely on your growth and well-being. I’ve shared thoughts in therapy that I’d never voice elsewhere, and that unburdening alone has been transformative.
2. Breaking Invisible Patterns
One of the most eye-opening benefits has been identifying patterns I couldn’t see on my own. We all have blind spots—behaviors, thought patterns, and reactions that feel normal to us because we’ve always done them.
My therapist helped me connect dots between my childhood experiences and current relationship dynamics that I never would have linked myself. These revelations weren’t always comfortable, but they were necessary for growth. I’ve stopped blaming myself for reactions that, as it turns out, were perfectly reasonable responses to past experiences.
3. Professional Guidance Through Life’s Complexities
Life doesn’t come with an instruction manual. Therapy provides access to someone who’s professionally trained to help navigate complex emotional terrain.
When facing major decisions or difficult transitions, I’ve found immense value in having someone who can offer evidence-based strategies rather than just anecdotal advice. My therapist has introduced me to techniques for managing anxiety that actually work—tools I would never have discovered through Google searches or self-help books alone.
4. Improved Relationships Across the Board
Perhaps the most surprising benefit has been how therapy has transformed my relationships with others. By understanding myself better, I’ve become more patient, more communicative, and more authentic in all my interactions.
I’ve learned to set boundaries without guilt, express needs without apology, and listen more deeply to others. These skills haven’t just improved my closest relationships—they’ve enhanced every interaction I have, from work colleagues to casual acquaintances.
5. Emotional Resilience During Difficult Times
Life inevitably throws curveballs. The difference now is that I have tools to weather storms that once would have devastated me for weeks or months.
Therapy has taught me that emotions, even intensely painful ones, are temporary states rather than permanent conditions. I’ve learned to sit with discomfort rather than immediately trying to numb or escape it. This resilience doesn’t mean I don’t feel pain—it means I trust my ability to move through it.
6. Self-Compassion Instead of Self-Criticism
For years, my internal monologue was brutally critical. I held myself to impossible standards and berated myself for every perceived failure. Through therapy, I’ve learned to speak to myself with the same kindness I would offer a friend.
This shift from self-criticism to self-compassion has been revolutionary. I’m more productive, more creative, and significantly happier when I’m not constantly berating myself. Learning to be kind to yourself is perhaps one of the most valuable gifts therapy can offer.
7. A Customized Approach to Mental Wellness
Unlike one-size-fits-all self-help approaches, therapy is tailored specifically to your unique needs, history, and goals. My therapeutic journey has evolved as I’ve grown and as new challenges have come up for me.
This personalization means therapy is still relevant and beneficial no matter where you are in life. Some sessions focus on processing past trauma; others help develop practical strategies for current challenges. This adaptability means that therapy continues to meet you exactly where you need support.
Finding the Right Fit Matters
If you’re considering therapy for the first time, know that finding the right therapist is crucial. The therapeutic relationship is deeply personal, and it’s okay to try a few different therapists before finding someone who feels like a good fit for you.
When people first get started they mistakenly believed any therapist will do. It’s ok and many times necessary to try more than one therapist. I’m grateful I found someone whose approach resonated with my needs.
Many therapists offer initial consultations to help determine if you’re a good match. Use these opportunities to ask questions about their approach, experience with your specific concerns, and what a typical session might look like. Checkout this post for further guidance – What Kind Of Therapist Do I Need?
The Investment That Pays Dividends
Yes, therapy requires an investment—of time, vulnerability, and often money. But I’ve come to see it as the most valuable investment I’ve ever made. The benefits extend far beyond the session itself, improving every aspect of daily life.
If cost is a concern, many therapists offer sliding scale rates, and online therapy platforms have made professional help more accessible than ever. Some employers also offer Employee Assistance Programs that include free or discounted therapy sessions.
Taking That First Step
If you’ve been on the fence about therapy, I understand the hesitation. I was too in the beginning. But looking back, my only regret is not starting sooner.
You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Whether you’re navigating a specific challenge or simply feeling that life could be more fulfilling, therapy offers tools and perspectives that can help.
Taking that first step—researching therapists, booking a consultation, showing up to that first session—requires courage. But it’s a step toward a version of yourself that handles life’s challenges with greater ease, connects more deeply with others, and experiences more joy and fulfillment.
I can’t promise therapy will transform your life overnight. What I can share is that in my experience, the journey, though sometimes challenging, has been immeasurably worthwhile.
If you’re ready to explore therapy options, I’ve researched some excellent platforms that make getting started simple and accessible. And in fact after extensive research I’ve even partnered up with BetterHelp.
The Ultimate Resource For Therapy
If you’re interested in learning more about online therapy, I recommend checking out BetterHelp. They offer online therapy sessions with licensed therapists at an affordable price point.
As you know I’m a huge proponent of Mental Wellness and ensuring we all get the help we need when we need it. And of course, I don’t want you just to get any help I want you to get the right help so I am now sponsored by BetterHelp.
BetterHelp is the world’s largest therapy service, and it’s 100% online.
BetterHelp offers a network of over 25,000 licensed and experienced therapists who can help you with a wide range of issues.
Just click on the link below, answer a few questions and get matched with a therapist from the network.
One of the most amazing features of BetterHelp, if you don’t jive with your therapist you can switch to a new one that’s a better fit for you any time free of charge.
With BetterHelp, you get the same professionalism and quality you expect from in-office therapy, but with a therapist who is custom-picked for you, more scheduling flexibility, and at a more affordable price.
Remember, seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a profound act of self-care and personal responsibility. You deserve that level of investment in yourself.
What has your experience with therapy been like? If you’ve never tried it, what holds you back? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
