People go to therapists or counselors for all sorts of reasons. Some will only make an appointment because they are forced – by a family member, a partner, or even their boss – but others go with much more enthusiasm. They want to solve the problems in their lives and are willing to do whatever it takes. While some people are skeptical about therapy, it can actually help. Below are 15 problems that a therapist can help you with.
1. Repeated patterns
A very common trigger is the realization that you are repeating the same behaviors over a long period of time. Therapy can help you understand where this behavior may have originated and what forces you to repeat it.
2. Family problems that make you miserable
It can be very difficult to deal with family problems because everyone feels they are in their right. Pain and things from childhood can last a long time, and communication can be bad in adulthood. A therapist is a neutral observer who can provide valuable insights.
3. You are stuck
If you are stuck in one mood or emotion all day, every day, it is a sign that there is a problem that needs to be worked on. Going through mood changes is much more common and healthy.
4. You don't know what to do
Some people think that talking to friends is the best way to help them make decisions, but others just go around in circles. Counselors or therapists can help you by letting you talk about the problem, and find out what you're really thinking, to help you determine which direction to go in.
5. Nothing seems to make you more happy
Don't let depressive thoughts bring you down. Many people wait a little too long, hoping that their mood will change – and for many it will – but others go into a dark place before coming out, leading to full-blown depression. Talking to your doctor is a good place to start.
6. Staying in an abusive relationship
This could be within a partnership or at work or any other place where a power relationship exists. A therapist can't do the job of the police, but a therapeutic alliance can give you the confidence to look at the relationship for what it really is and make decisions about future actions.
7. Anxiety
Anxiety is a growing problem these days. Anxious feelings can be helped by using mindfulness apps and a variety of other techniques, but if anxiety becomes overwhelming, therapy can be helpful.
8. Haunted by the past
Many people struggle, sometimes unconsciously, with things that happened in their past. Seeing a therapist can help address the issues.
9. Post-traumatic stress disorder
PTSD is caused by very frightening or sad events. In some cases soon after the stressful incident, but others can take months, even years, to develop. Many people cope well with stressful times – but when flashbacks and panic attacks increase, a therapist can help.
10. Addiction to alcohol, drugs, porn, games
If these are your problems, ask for therapists who specialize in addiction. You may feel that addiction is too strong a word for your problem, but if it's something that repeats itself, find an expert to talk to, it could be a good step.
11. Eating Disorders Eating disorders are complex, sometimes a symptom of underlying distress, but also in genetics, the environment, life events and contemporary culture. Therapists say that people who develop eating disorders often have negative self-image and perfectionist tendencies; If this sounds like you, also remember that eating disorders can cause major health problems and even kill people.
12. Infertility Problems
For women who want to have children, but either struggle to have them or know they can't, it can be a difficult journey, conforming to a future they didn't have considered. Some therapists specialize in dealing with such complaints, and can make life more bearable.
13. Someone close to you has passed away
Until you've experienced it, most of us don't really understand how hard it is to deal with this. Losing a partner, parent, sibling, and even a close friend can have a profound and lasting impact on your life. It is not always necessary to see someone to talk about your feelings, but if time goes by and you are still struggling with the loss, therapy is often a good idea.
14. Chronic health condition
As if it isn't bad enough that your life is being hit by a serious illness, depression and anxiety often follow behind. Some therapists specialize in helping people adapt to their changing future so they can live well, differently than they ever imagined.
15. Relationships – or none
It may not seem obvious, but many people see therapists to talk about personal relationships. Either because they're not happy with who they're with or because they want one but it doesn't work for them. Understanding yourself is a great advantage when developing your relationships with others.
