Why would someone like you want to talk to a therapist? Don’t only people who are “sick” go to therapists?
I have people asking me questions like these all the time. They tell me they go to yoga, they meditate, they vent to their dog which are all awesome coping strategies–why pay someone? We’re not mentally ill–we don’t need a therapist!
I hear it a lot, but I also get:
- “Why do I always end up overwhelmed online dating, but end up with the same kind of person?”
- “Why do friends always seem to turn on me?”
Sure, some of these people are depressed, some have anxiety, some are, you know, human. And NYC can really kick your butt–even those of us who get to live in Brooklyn.
We, along with the other people in our life (and our pets) are so caught up IN our life that it can be tough for us to see the patterns and interactions they and we take for granted.
A therapist is in it and out of it at the same time.
Like that joke about the two salmon swimming along who pass by another fish who says, “Morning, guys! How’s the water?” The other two continue to swim until one asks the other, “What the hell is water?”
In therapy we can challenge what we take for granted and once you know what you’re dealing with you can choose to be in control of your life.
How much more exciting swimming will be then!
If you’ve been kicking around the idea of starting therapy I congratulate you. It’s not an easy decision to make. If you think it could be helpful, take a look at one of my free e-books or contact me with any questions. I look forward to hearing from you.
Justin Lioi, LCSW is a men’s mental health and relationship expert. He is a Brooklyn therapist (as well as also seeing clients online throughout New York State and internationally.) He received his degree from New York University and has been working with men and their families for over 10 years. Justin is on the Board of the National Association of Social Workers and writes a weekly column for the Good Men Project called Unmasking Masculinity. He can be found on local and national podcasts talking about assertiveness, anger, self-compassion, all with the goal of becoming the man you want to be.