Aarti
Therapy is a word with a negative connotation. The public associates it with serious issues. That’s a situation we need to improve. Going to therapy may be beneficial in many ways. It has the potential to alter one’s outlook and behaviour. Galavis, Juan Pablo. individuals often react to my line of work with comments like, “You must see a lot of crazy people,” or “Wow, your job must be so stressful seeing all those disturbed people.” When this happens, I get very guarded and worried about my clients. My typical answer is something along the lines of, “Actually, crazy people don’t go to therapy. Those that seek treatment are the ones who are trying to cope with the ‘mad’ individuals. As a therapist, I can tell you that this is not how my clients typically feel about therapy. It has never occurred to me that part of my job would be to “deal with crazy people” or to listen to people’s insurmountable issues. People who take the initiative to seek out treatment are typically open to change and eager to improve their circumstances. That’s incredibly brave and the sort of thing that only sensible people would do, in my opinion.
It’s not necessarily a “crazy” person who comes forward first when seeking help, but rather the person who is most uncomfortable in the relationship or situation. This individual is typically the head of the household, a father figure, or someone who has become overly interested in their community. It’s possible that therapists who work in settings like psychiatric hospitals, non-profit organisations, or social work offices have a different take on things than I do, but as someone who deals exclusively with voluntary clients, I can assure you that not a single one of them is insane.
1. They aren’t mentally unstable.
One, they have a stable mental state. Individuals can use therapy as a tool to learn more about themselves, their connections to others, and their current situations. It paves the way for people to have more fulfilling lives, especially in the face of adversity. Therapy is not just something people undertake when they feel they have something “wrong” with them in order to “fix” themselves. There’s no underlying problem with those who seek help from therapists. They recognise they may need some assistance in breaking a rut, improving a relationship, or altering their way of thinking.
2. They know it’s essential to ask for help.
They have the wisdom to know when to seek assistance. Asking for assistance is seen as a sign of weakness, although the opposite is true. It takes a lot of self-awareness and bravery to recognise you need additional assistance when you’re going through a tough period and going at it alone isn’t working. The real work begins once you begin counselling. Even with a strong support system in place, transitioning into a new way of life is never simple. For this reason, many people avoid getting help. Voluntary treatment patients are committed to improving their emotional and mental well-being and making progress towards their personal and interpersonal development objectives.
3. They volunteer to see a therapist.
Third, they decide to attend a therapist on their own accord. Some people think their partners, relatives, or other loved ones coerce them into therapy. However, individuals typically seek out treatment on their own initiative. They are actively seeking assistance. Forcing someone to attend therapy might take the form of a court order or an involuntary commitment to a mental health facility. Clients, not patients, is what I call the folks who see me because that’s how it works outside of a hospital or clinic.
4. They don’t always get diagnosed with a mental illness.
Fourth, not all people with mental health issues receive a diagnosis. People with mental illnesses aren’t the only ones who can benefit from therapy; it’s also useful for anyone who wants to talk to someone who isn’t part of their inner circle and who has been trained to help them make positive life changes, gain a new perspective on their challenges, and acquire practical skills for moving forward. We all hope for this, but only a few will actually take the initiative to ask for assistance.
Also Read: Pyramid Technoplast IPO opens on Aug 18, price band set at Rs 151-166
It’s true that therapists can only bill insurance companies after they’ve made a diagnosis, but this isn’t a requirement for every therapist. Therapists that are willing to accommodate their patients’ needs are cautious when making diagnoses and are honest with their patients about the process. While this is true, it is equally important to note that there is nothing shameful about receiving a diagnosis of a mental illness.
5. They aren’t always going through an overwhelming or tragic event.
Fifth, not everything that happens to them is devastating. There is no single motivation for a client to begin counselling. They may have had a traumatic incident, such as a loss in the family or a breakup, or they may be seeking counselling simply to better themselves. People seek out therapy for a variety of reasons, including preparation for a major life transition, lack of clarity about next steps, desire to quit harmful behaviours, or emotional distress following a breakup. People’s desire for a more joyful existence is not predicated on the occurrence of some catastrophic tragedy.
6. They understand that their therapist isn’t going to manipulate them.
Six, they know their therapist won’t try to control them. It’s a common misconception that therapists can read minds and manipulate their patients. The common misconception is that all we do is diagnose our clients’ problems and give them life lessons. Those who seek help through therapy know better. Therapists should function as trusted allies, introducing their clients to fresh ideas and resources that can be used to develop and refine more adaptive coping strategies. They aren’t meant to exert influence over anyone.
Altering the Stigma of Therapy
Treatment through therapy is a deliberate way of living. Maintaining a path that one finds important and gratifying is aided by this. It aids in processing feelings, generating viable options, and providing a new perspective on problems. Many people who could benefit greatly from therapy may be dissuaded from seeking it out if the associated stigma persists. The field of psychology is starting to take on a life coaching slant, which shifts the focus away from shrinking patients’ heads and towards therapy as a means of growth and development.
There’s also the misconception that therapists are solely interested in getting paid to listen. It’s a question I hear frequently: “Do therapists really care?” even though it may sound corny, I usually remark, “The professional advice of a therapist costs money, but the love is free.” To tell the truth, most of the time we worry too much. Sometimes we feel completely engulfed by the depth of our customers’ experiences. I’ve worked with several therapists over the years, and I’ve never met one who didn’t genuinely care about their clients. We would have chosen a different line of work if that were the case.
