4 Compelling Reasons to See a Therapist

Sharing thoughts and feelings with friends is great, but a therapist offers a unique approach. They can help you identify recurring patterns, like communication patterns, self-limiting beliefs, and phobias.

Dealing With A Traumatic Event

If something has happened that has left a lasting impact on your life, it may be time to see a therapist. While your friends and family can be great support, a professional is trained to help you resolve whatever issues or problems you face.

Sometimes, people who experience traumatic events have to work through things like PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). Traumatic stress can occur after directly experiencing a terrifying event or even after repeated exposure to a disturbing event, such as the aftermath of a horrible accident.

A therapist Seattle can help you learn coping skills to deal with trauma and overcome it. They can also help you realize that how you feel is normal and that many other people have gone through similar situations. This can be a powerful realization that can help you move forward in your recovery. The stigma surrounding therapy seems to be slowly fading, and more people are opening up about their mental health struggles, which is a positive step.

Mood Issues At Work

Stressors in the workplace can trigger and manifest latent mood disorders. This can be due to an excessive workload, lack of flexibility or unclear boundaries between work and personal time, poor relationships at work, toxic working environments that foster bullying, abuse, or other types of harassment, or other factors.

The impact of these stressors on a person’s emotional health and performance at work may be manifested as ‘presenteeism’ (lower productivity while at the office due to decreased concentration, motivation, and decision-making skills) or ‘absenteeism’ (missing days or arriving late to the workplace).

If someone you know is experiencing mood issues that are impacting their everyday functioning, encourage them to consider therapy. It is a sign of strength to seek out help, and it’s also an opportunity for them to learn useful tools to address these issues in the future. 

Relationship Issues

There are a lot of things that can put a strain on a relationship, from work to the kids to in-laws. Life can throw all kinds of curve balls at marriage, and it is not uncommon for couples to need counseling from time to time. Often, communication issues are at the root of relationship problems. People may feel like they are not being heard or that their partner is not respecting their feelings. A therapist can help to address these issues and provide tools for improving communication in a relationship.

Regardless of the reason for seeking therapy, it is crucial to find the right therapist. Check with your health insurance for a list of providers in the network, or ask friends and family for recommendations. They should have the training and experience needed to work with you. You can also get referrals from your primary care doctor or the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies.

Anxiety

Anxiety disorders can be very debilitating, making everyday activities feel overwhelming. Suppose you’re experiencing frequent panic attacks, a rapid heartbeat, sweating, or a shaky voice, or you’re constantly avoiding social events or situations due to your fear of germs (such as shaking another person’s hand). In that case, it may be time to seek help.

A skilled therapist will assess your symptoms and discuss the various treatment options, including medication. They can also teach you improved coping strategies and techniques for managing anxiety, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which involves learning to redirect negative thoughts and worries.

Some therapists specialize in anxiety, so check their credentials before starting sessions. You can find qualified therapists online or ask your doctor for recommendations. They can be located in person or over the phone, and some offer group therapy. Those with insurance can also use their provider networks to reduce the cost of treatment. A good therapist can help you feel less alone and improve your quality of life.