For years I had resisted it, but let’s talk about why I’m finally embracing therapy now. I always believed we had the enormous ability to find solutions to our own problems. Don’t get me wrong – I’ve been to therapy, but in the beginning it seemed to make me feel worse. I didn’t walk away with any solutions or magic fixes to my pain and suffering. Rather often at the end of a session I’d feel bummed it was over cause I wasn’t done pouring my heart out.
And of course minus any fixing or solution offering I had always been of the mind that – “I can solve my own problems,” so I thought. “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 or a lack of self-control.
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 hold. So that’s why I’m wanting to share how I had a change of heart about therapy and how it’s shifted my perspective.
Table of Contents
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 as it probably has for you. I was 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 not just some quiet realization that I kept circling the same patterns in my relationships and reactions, unable to break free despite my best efforts. I was exhausted from trying to be my own therapist, coach, and critic all at once especially after this trauma I’d suffered. There was no question I need professional help.
Checkout this incredible conversation with Dr. Fred on the Blossom Your Awesome Podcast about why so many people turn to therapy in the first place –
The Turning Point
My first therapy session wasn’t a magical epiphany. In fact, I spent most of it feeling awkward and questioning whether I was “doing it right.” I mean the trauma wasn’t going away. It stays with you, sticks to you like glue. But by the third session, something started to shift for me. I found myself looking forward to that hour each week with Dr. B—a space where I could be completely honest without worrying about how my words would land. I talk more about that here – Therapy Saved My Life
The first real breakthrough came when my therapist gently pointed out a connection between my recent traumatic experience and a current relationship struggle I was having. It wasn’t a dramatic revelation, but it was like someone had suddenly turned on a light in a room I’d been fumbling around in for years.
From Skeptic to Advocate
The change in my perspective didn’t happen overnight. It built gradually, session by session, as I began to notice subtle shifts in how I responded to stress, how I communicated with loved ones, and how I spoke to myself, how I was able to detach myself from the experience of trauma.
Six months in, a friend commented that I seemed different—more centered, less reactive. That’s when I realized how profound the change had been. The investment of time and money suddenly seemed insignificant compared to the quality-of-life improvements I was experiencing. (What Kind Of Therapist Do I Need?)
Overcoming the Practical Hurdles
Finding the right therapist isn’t always straightforward. I actually got really lucky and matched up with the most awesome therapist. But this is not always the case. The first therapist’s approach might not resonate and it could make you feel like giving up. You have to try again with someone else whose style matches more of what you need.
And yes, the financial aspect is a real consideration. I personally had to rearrange my budget priorities to make room for this new expense. But today there is a better option- BetterHelp actually makes it cost effective. I personally came to see it as an essential investment rather than a luxury—similar to how we view physical healthcare.
The Unexpected Ripple Effects
What surprised me most was how therapy affected areas of my life that I hadn’t even discussed in sessions. As I developed more self-awareness and better emotional regulation, my work relationships improved. I became more patient with family members. I even found myself making healthier choices about diet and exercise—not because my therapist suggested it, but because I was treating myself with more care overall.
Why I’m Sharing This Now
I’m writing this not to pressure anyone into therapy, but to share a perspective from someone who once stood firmly in the “therapy is not for me” camp. If even one person reading this reconsiders their resistance and gives therapy a chance, this post will have been worth writing.
The journey from skeptic to advocate has been humbling. It’s taught me that sometimes the things we resist most stubbornly are exactly what we need. It’s reminded me that growth often feels uncomfortable before it feels good.
And most importantly, it’s shown me that asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s one of the bravest, strongest choices we can make.
I’ll be sharing the specific benefits I’ve experienced from therapy and why you might want to consider it for yourself. If you’re curious about getting started with therapy check out the resource below.
The Greatest Resource For Therapy If You’re Ready To Get Started
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.
What has your experience with therapy been like? If you’ve never tried it, what questions do you have? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
