The Top 5 Truths about counseling, therapy, and psychotherapy in #Dallas
So, you’ve been browsing therapists in #Dallas. They seem nice enough, but you still have questions and aren’t sure about starting therapy. What is really true about therapy?
Counseling truth #1: Therapy is effective!
Research tells us that therapy is effective in helping address mental health issues. Therapy improves outcomes and can even be cost-saving in the long-term, improving work-functioning, decreasing the need for psychiatric hospitalizations, and reducing disability, morbidity, and mortality.
Counseling truth #2: Starting therapy is actually courageous!
Some people fear starting therapy means there is something “wrong” or is a “sign of weakness.” But the truth is that starting therapy can simply mean you’re looking for a nonjudgemental space to address whatever may be going on in your life - from anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions or even to proactively improve your life. Whatever your reason for starting therapy may be, it’s a courageous step to take for yourself and for your mental health.
Counseling truth #3: There are many different types of therapy.
Finding the right therapist for you is a very individual process, and not every therapist practices in the same way. Scheduling a consult may help you learn more about a therapist and decide if how they work is a good fit for you. Explore our specialty pages to learn more about how we work with trauma therapy, anxiety therapy, couples therapy, therapy for emerging adulthood, and therapy for disordered eating. Also, learn about how Amanda uses Brainspotting (BSP) and the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP).
Counseling truth #4: Starting therapy does not mean starting medication.
While your therapist may recommend you meet with a psychiatrist to see if medication could be helpful for you, starting therapy does not mean you will be starting medication. We believe its important to feel like an active participant in your overall health and can make decisions with as much information as possible. Each individual’s needs are different, and we want to collaborate with you and any other professionals working with you to treatment plan in a way that’s comfortable for you.
Counseling truth #5: Therapy is not meant to be a “quick fix.”
Therapy is a commitment and an investment in yourself, and the work may be challenging sometimes. Also, because you aren’t “broken,” you don’t need to be “fixed.” Therapy is a process of understanding yourself and your needs better, likely learning new skills along the way to improve your life and your relationships. We often ask our clients for patience with the process because we know change can take time and happens one step at a time, starting with that first step of searching “therapist near me.”