12 Signs It’s Time To Talk to a Therapist

In a world that tells us to tough it out alone, we need to know that seeking therapy is a brave and crucial step towards healing. 

Here's the truth: Life throws us curveballs, and navigating them doesn't mean we're weak. It means we're proactive about our well-being. 

Explore these 12 signs that it’s time to talk to a therapist. These may resonate with you or someone you care about.

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

• 1. Advice from others isn’t working.

  When our lives get tough, advice from others isn't always enough. People give us advice based on what works well for them and their own experiences.

  A therapist can help you explore what works best for you by finding the answer on your terms and based on your unique character and experiences.

• 2. Your problem is getting steadily worse.

  When our issues continue to grow, it suggests that we are caught in a vicious cycle.

  A therapist can help you uncover that cycle and guide you in disrupting it.

• 3. You feel like you need someone to talk to.

  We aren’t always comfortable talking to others about our problems.

  A therapist is a non-biased person you can share anything with, without fear of judgement.

• 4. You’re feeling overwhelmed by your emotions.

  Our emotions can consume us, and when they do, it can feel like we have no control.

  A therapist can guide you in learning to take control of your emotions.

• 5. You want professional help changing your habits, or to stop doing something destructive.

  When we try to change our behaviours on our own with little success, it usually means that something is blocking us.

  A therapist can help you explore the thoughts and emotions that are blocking you to help you overcome them and create change.

• 6. You’re experiencing disruptions following a major life event or loss.

  Any change in our lives can be jarring, and a significant loss can make us feel thrown overboard.

  A therapist can help you process the changes in your life and heal from loss.

• 7. You’re feeling too much or too little emotion.

  Our emotions can feel foreign and seem to have a mind of their own.

  A therapist can help you regulate your emotions and learn to be happier.

• 8. You’ve tried self-help resources, but they haven’t worked for you.

  Self-help resources offer general advice for general people. However, “general people” don’t exist! We are all incredibly unique.

  A therapist can help you find your unique path to progress.

• 9. The things that would usually make you feel calm and happy aren’t working anymore.

  We can often take care of ourselves by spending time with people we love, working on things that matter to us, and enjoying our hobbies.

  When our usual sources of joy aren’t enough, a therapist can help to bridge the gap so that we can find joy in them again.

• 10. You just don’t know what to do.

  Decisions are often so much more than choosing between A and B. They often have lasting consequences, extensive implications, and complicated history.

  A therapist can help you work through your options, understand your relationship with the dilemma, and even come up with new ideas.

• 11. You want to understand yourself better.

  Therapy is a journey of self-discovery to create positive change.

  Anyone curious about how their story has made them who they are can discover that in therapy. Knowledge gives us the power to shape ourselves into who we want to be.

• 12. You feel embarrassed about what you’re experiencing and you want a confidential space to talk about it.

  You deserve the right to privacy without having to keep everything to yourself.

  Therapy gives you a confidential and non-judgmental space to talk through anything.

Am I the right therapist for you? Meet for a 20-minute chat to find out.

The above is not intended as medical advice or diagnosis and should not replace consultation with a medical professional. The above is my opinion, based on my background, training, and experience as a therapist and person. All examples involving people or clients are hypothetical amalgams, not actual people.