Getting therapy isn’t a sign of weakness. I would argue that it is actually a sign of personal strength — the acknowledging of the need and potential benefit of getting help. It can take a lot of courage to take the first step towards beginning counseling but the results can be life-changing.
Therapy can have a lot of benefits from teaching healthy coping tools to determining repetitive patterns and assistance in making positive changes. At Rooted & Rising, we regularly work with clients on ways they can make positive changes and live a better life. That is the goal, right? To live the best way we can.
Here are some of the ways therapy can help you to make positive changes:
1.) Counseling allows you to explore what change really means.
Maybe you are unsure if you actually want to make a change. Maybe you decided to come to therapy because of pressure from family or friends to get help. Maybe you think you want to change but you aren’t sure of where to start or what that really means. Counseling helps you to explore all the reasons why you decided to come to therapy and what might be holding you back from making positive changes. The counselor is there to build trust, gather the facts, and understand you and any of your concerns.
2.) Therapy is non-judgmental.
It can be hard to share a desire to make a life change with those in our lives that are important to us because of fear of judgment. No one wants to be judged about their decisions or the reasoning behind a decision. In counseling, you are able to share your concerns and reasons free of judgment. You can be completely honest in the space without worrying about it impacting relationships or other aspects of your life. It allows you to completely explore and examine areas of your life to gain a complete understanding before sharing with the world (if you ever choose to).
3.) Therapy helps you make a plan.
Once you have determined an area of your life where you would like to make a change, a counselor can help you get there. Together you and your therapist will create a road map. You will set small, attainable goals and determine a plan to get there. You will work together to make changes that fit your life.
4.) In counseling, you will build your toolbox.
We aren’t all born knowing how to react in a stressful situation. We don’t all have a toolbox for mental health that we can open during challenging times. That is something you will gain in therapy. You will be taught healthy coping tools to get you through times of high anxiety, bouts of depression, and other uncomfortable moments. From mindfulness and breathing tools to setting boundaries and establishing priorities, you will get tools you can use.
5.) You will learn strategies to overcome roadblocks.
There are roadblocks in making any positive changes. Whether it be resistance from others or emotional challenges or concerns, therapy will teach you the strategies to overcome those roadblocks.
6.) Counseling can help you to maintain any gains.
Accomplishing goals is great but maintaining that progress is even better, and more difficult. Often times we celebrate the short-term wins but lose the long-term vision. In therapy, you will learn how to maintain any positive gains long-term. You will be accountable to your therapist or counselor to keep up on any progress. You will be encouraged and celebrated for all your hard work.
As intimating as beginning work with a counselor or therapist can be, it can help you maximize success in making positive changes throughout your life. Even if you aren’t sure if/what changes should be made, talking to a counselor can help to provide clarity.
Ready to begin counseling in PA?
The professionally trained and licensed counselors at Rooted & Rising Therapy in Pittsburgh have openings. Our practice specializes in treating individuals through years of experience, we’re confident that no problem is too great to overcome. Through therapy, there is always a way to address the issues you face and learn coping strategies to help you both right now and in the future. Just call our office at (412) 228-8489 or email us at info@rootedandrisingtherapy.com to get started to feeling better today. We are here for you.