Do I need therapy?

Topics:

• Therapy

• Decision Making

• Professional Help

Over the last decade, I have witnessed significant shifts in the perception and acceptance of therapy.  Old stigmas and judgments have softened, and younger generations often see therapy as a normal aspect of dealing with life challenges. With this being the case, the pendulum can swing too far in the other direction, with some seeking therapy or their therapist's advice without doing their work or addressing trivial issues. For some, throwing out the expression “my therapist” has become trendy. Before we even look at sexuality, let’s address the question of whether therapy is right for you.  I think embedded in this question is a series of other questions.

Do I have problems?

This is an easy one. Those who answer “no” suffer from a condition that shares its name with a river in Egypt. Problems are universal, and as underdeveloped humans, we all have aspects of self that are in progress. We fall short in areas, or feel “stuck” or a sense of “failure”. Answering this question is an opportunity to get specific about where you feel stuck and what issues to explore.

Are these problems that I am ready to work on?

Are you ready and motivated to work on your issues? We all have a vast array of problems, yet the willingness or motivation to work on our issues may be lacking. This could range from unwillingness to stop drinking milk straight out of the milk jug, or childhood wounds that you’re not feeling ready to put in the time and effort to address.

Do my problems require a professional?

While all problems require work and solutions, consider if your specific issues are within your power to address. Self-help resources (see the RESOURCES tab on the upper right corner of my HOMEPAGE) can be a great place to start. If your efforts feel insufficient, you may benefit from primary support persons (friends and family).  If it’s more than self or loved ones can address, it’s time to look for someone with specialized skills and abilities. 

What’s the next step?

If working with a professional is the next step for you, I would be happy to dialogue and share my thoughts and recommendations. The information on this website could be helpful to better understand my strengths, perspectives, and approaches to various problems. We live in a time where an abundance of resources exist to address relationship and sexuality concerns, don’t allow another day to pass, a new day with solutions and hope lies ahead.