5 Benefits of Going to Therapy Regardless of Who You Are
Even the happiest of you will benefit from therapy
Over the last 5 years, I’ve seen a few different therapists. Some were helpful, some were not.
Those that were helpful, I found so helpful, that I now continuously recommend everyone give therapy a shot, no matter who they are.
Originally, during the COVID lockdowns, I saw a therapist because I was feeling down after I lost everything that I had worked towards.
It helped. I felt better, so I stopped.
A little while later, though, I realized there were some major benefits in seeing one even when I was happy.
These are 5 of those benefits!
1. Therapy helps organize your thoughts
Despite what some people believe, a lot of therapists don’t give you their opinion. They really just ask you questions and listen.
This may seem a bit like a waste of time at first, but it helps you organize your thoughts.
It is almost like thinking out loud.
The questions they ask are often the questions you didn’t know you should be asking yourself.
And asking the right question is sometimes all you need.
As the process continues, your thoughts begin to make sense. You understand why they pop up in your head, and what to do with them.
Organizing and being at peace with your thoughts is massively important. Especially given how many are tortured by them.
2. Increases your communication skills
As your thoughts become organized, you become a better communicator.
You find answers to questions quicker, and understand your opinions, feelings, and self better than ever.
Not to mention you become used to talking to someone for an hour straight (if not longer). This kind of dialogue is rare these days.
This increase in communication skills can be useful.
Whether in business, at work, with your friends, or with your partner, being able to communicate clearly and effectively gives you a massive advantage.
3. Makes you more empathetic
By helping you understand your thoughts and emotions, you end up becoming a better listener and will notice an increase in compassion towards yourself.
All of this, in turn, makes you a more empathetic person.
Empathy, similar to communication skills, offers many advantages both personally and socially.
The ability to understand feelings and perspectives shows others you value them deeply. This increases mutual trust and strengthens relationships.
You become a better decision maker. And what is life but a compilation of decisions?
Increasing empathy also makes you feel more connected to others.
Given the increase in feelings of loneliness amongst many recently, this is a major benefit.
4. Improves your self-awareness
Oftentimes, you will discover the root cause of problems that have been lurking for some time.
Memories you thought you forgot about start to pop up. You realize how much these memories affected your day-to-day life.
You will be able to make adjustments accordingly to improve your life, and as you go on with these new insights, your self-awareness will increase.
Self-awareness is a very attractive feature.
Those who are self-aware rarely overreact, and they understand their feelings so well that they treat others exceptionally well.
They make better partners, whether romantically or in business, and they are so comfortable with themselves that they feel less lonely.
Self-awareness is a superpower.
5. Helps manage your stress
Therapy is a safe space. No matter what you say, you will not be judged.
A rarity.
Because it is a safe space, you are able to let go of anything and everything. Your therapist will sit there and listen to you rant for an hour if you want.
I’ve definitely gone off about traffic for far too long before.
But this emotional release in a non-judgmental setting helps let go of any stress.
Your therapist will also help you identify triggers that are the sources of this stress. Often, it won’t be what you expected.
They will also help you reframe your thoughts and give ideas for lifestyle changes, both of which help manage your stress.
The last time I told my therapist I was very stressed, he suggested I play more.
I have a bad habit of scheduling my whole day to be as productive as possible. I do this for months, forgetting to play altogether.
So, he suggested I force myself to play.
As a result, I started going to Muay Thai again, went back to chess club, and played board games with friends more.
My stress dropped rapidly.
We have all experienced stress. Chances are, seeing a therapist will help your stress, too.
Closing thoughts
It’s time we remove the cliche from therapy. It is not only for those who are losing their sh*t.
Therapy can be helpful for everyone.
Try a couple of sessions and see how you like it.
Not all therapists are good, though. If you don’t like your first one, don’t be afraid of trying another!
Thanks for reading.