I’ve been in this industry long enough to know that people are split on the idea of therapy. It’s either for you or not… Or is it really so simple?
Team No Therapy is mixed with people who have either had an unpleasant experience or heard of someone else’s bad experience with a therapist. It can take one bad egg to turn you against the whole dozen. I’m not here to force anything, but I am here to challenge your own thinking that may be hindering your own healing.
What we often don’t realize is that different personalities, life experiences and styles make different types of therapists. Just like we have close friends and strangers, we often sync well with a certain type of person. Therapy sometimes takes a few tries before we find the right fit.
Then there is the financial part…we either can afford it or we can’t. Unfortunately, our insurance companies often do not take mental health as an important part of our health. We often run into therapy that is approved for a certain # of sessions…and then you’re magically fixed? It can be a frustrating process that often leaves people giving up on getting help. But there are organizations out there that have sliding scales and contracts with individuals who can help. A good place to start is with your local hospices. Many have therapists and programs that can help you find someone that fits your personal needs. Many don’t know that hospice offers follow-up with the family of a deceased for up to 2 years after loss. Check out Vitas Healthcare of Sacramento and their programs.
Personally, I’ve found great success with therapy. It has helped me grow and overcome many life hurdles. My counselor has guided me through the years and I still go for “regular maintenance”. This is something that is part of my personal testimony and I’m happy to share my positive experience.
Things to consider when you’re deciding whether or not therapy is right for you.
Are you willing to get real with yourself? Your therapist is only as good as you let them. If you’re not willing to be honest with yourself and your therapist, you’re wasting their time and yours.
Can you commit to weekly or bi-weekly sessions? Working on yourself is definitely a time commitment. Until you establish a baseline relationship with your therapist, they often want to see you weekly.
Can you afford it? If you do have insurance and are lucky enough to get several sessions approved, you might have to wait several months until a therapists becomes available. If they aren’t working for you, request a different one and be prepared to be patient. Many private therapists do not take insurance and the going rate is between $120-$300/hour. (Usually fall around $150/hour.) Always ask about a sliding scale if you’re paying privately.
Whatever you decide about therapy, don’t compare other’s experiences to your own expectation. Keep an open mind for all the opportunities that could guide your healing.