Will Therapy Help Me?

Counselors everywhere will tell you when prospective clients call this is one of the most frequently asked questions. While no therapist can, or should, promise that therapy will be a cure-all, it stands to reason that people do feel better, as a rule, once they are settled into the process of psychotherapy with a counselor that they trust.

Why is this?

Studies have shown that theoretical approaches, good case conceptualizations, treatment plans, interventions and sometimes medication all account for some of the success of psychotherapy. Other studies, and there have been several, point to a few other key aspects of therapy that seem to make the difference. 

Research has shown that a person who enters into a counseling relationship generally makes improvement (measured by positive changes) when they think and feel their therapist can listen, empathize and truly show they care for their client in an authentic way. In fact, it has been suggested that if you do not feel this way it is likely you will not make vast improvement in your therapy sessions.

How can I gauge if it is time for counseling?

This is a good question, and one that each individual needs to make for themselves. However, if we remain curious and can consider our current situation, from a present awareness, we will begin to know the answer.

You may be aware of feeling sad or unfulfilled, constantly worried or unable to sleep as soundly as you once could. Your concerns may steam from trouble in a present relationship, a spouse, teen, child, parent, sibling, friend or co-worker. Perhaps what was once substance use, may now be substance abuse and may be affecting your marriage, your job or your life.

People come to therapy for these and other reasons. Once they have tried, unsuccessfully, to handle the issue alone they come to realize they need professional help. As a therapist, I see this as an important sign of internal strength.  

Self Assessment:  Would therapy help me?

The self test below is designed to help determine whether you could benefit from working with a therapist. If you have had, or are having, any of the experiences described below, I would recommend seeking the help of a trained professional. 

1. I requently have difficulty concentrating at school or at work.
2. I am currently in a relationship in which I experience painful emotions.
3. My relationship is unsatisfying, but I can’t seem to break away.
4. I feel sad, unhappy, or down most days.
5. Experiences I used to enjoy are no longer enjoyable.
6. I find myself sleeping too much (or too little).
7. I have trouble sleeping at night.
8. I feel agitated; I cannot sit still.
9. I experience feelings of worthlessness.
10. I have recurrent thoughts of death, dying or suicide.
11. Important activities or responsibilities in my life are suffering as a result of alcohol and/or drug use.
12. I feel extreme unease/apprehension about a variety of situations and experiences.
13. I am unable to reassure myself.
14. I am easily restless, fatigued, irritable or tense.
15. I have feelings of extreme fear that interfere with my life.
16. I often avoid social interaction.
17. I have a hard time keeping certain persistent thoughts from popping into my head.
18. My self image is tied to how much I weigh.
19. I worry obsessively about becoming overweight or fat.
20. I worry that the people I care about will abandon me.
21. I feel empty most of the time.
22. I feel like I need advice or reassurance before I do anything.
23. I willingly relinquish control of my life to others..
24. I fear I’ll lose those close to me if I disagree with them.

If, after reading this, you find that getting help sounds like the right choice for you; then I invite you to call and schedule an evaluation. You may contact me at 310-560-7883