We tend to associate therapy with crisis. People often think, “my mental health isn’t that bad,” or “Other people have it worse,” as if your mental health needs to reach a certain low point to qualify for help. But therapy isn’t just for breakdowns or unravelling— it’s also for building insight, finding clarity, and learning how to cope before things spiral.
As a therapist, I’ve seen so many people wait until they feel like they’re drowning before reaching out. And while it’s never too late to start, it’s also never too early. This post is for anyone wondering, “Would therapy even help me?” My hope is to give you a clearer sense of what therapy can offer — and how to know when it might be the right time to try it.
Firstly, ‘The Misconception’: “Therapy is only for when something’s really wrong.”
- The ‘all-or-nothing thinking’ around mental health – the belief that your mental health has to be really poor in order to reach out for therapy – it doesn’t!
- If you are suffering emotionally or mentally in any way – that is enough – period.
- Diagnosis? – No – You do not need a diagnosis to attend or benefit from therapy.
- Therapy before ‘Crisis’ – Therapy is a form of self-care, not just crisis management. Many people benefit by reaching out before they reach ‘crisis point’ or ‘burn out’.
Here are some signs that you could be someone who might benefit from therapy
- Feeling “off” but not sure why
- Difficulty managing stress, sleep, or mood
- Avoiding things you used to enjoy
- Irritability or emotional overwhelm that feels disproportionate
- Feeling stuck or like you’re just “going through the motions”
What therapy could help with…
- Negative thinking/over thinking
- Low mood
- Anxiety (Health/Social etc.)
- Trauma
- Childhood experiences
- Self esteem
- And the list goes on….
Therapy and Life events
Some life events take a lot to process – even if they are considered ‘normal’ or something most if not all of us experience. But sometimes, some of us, could use a helping hand navigating these experiences…for example….
- Navigating a breakup, new job, move, or identity shift – changes in our personal circumstances; home or work environments; a break up or even beginning of a new relationship can bring up a lot of emotions that can be difficult to understand or process
- Therapy as a space to process change and uncertainty – Therapy can provide a safe space to explore these changes and the feelings that come with them; as well as give you tools and techniques to manage any negative symptoms (e.g. worry spiral; anxiety; low mood).
Final Thoughts: It’s Okay to Be Curious
- It is okay to have worries, expectations; or even concerns about beginning therapy.
- My advice – take your time in finding a therapist right for you. This is your time, you deserve to be participating in therapy with a therapist you can relate to or you feel understands you.
- “You don’t have to be in crisis to want more from your life.”