How do I know if I need Therapy?

Considering counselling can feel like a big step, particularly if you’ve never experienced this kind of support before. You may find yourself questioning whether what you’re going through is “serious enough” to seek therapy, wondering if it will really make a difference, or simply unsure of what you would talk about once you get there. But counselling isn’t only for moments of crisis, and you don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Sometimes, simply recognising that you’re struggling or feeling that something needs to change is reason enough to explore whether therapy could help. The fact that you’re asking yourself these questions is meaningful in itself.
 
 
 

How do I know if I need Therapy?
It can be difficult when you are considering counselling, especially when you may never have
had this type of support before. Deciding whether to start therapy can feel like a big step. You
might be wondering whether what you're experiencing is “serious enough,” whether therapy
will actually help, or even what you would talk about once you get there. The truth is, you
don't need to be in crisis or have everything figured out before reaching out.  The fact that
you are asking this question is significant in itself. 
You don't have to be in a crisis.
Therapy can be helpful whenever something is affecting your wellbeing, relationships,
confidence or ability to enjoy everyday life. This might include anxiety, low mood, stress,
burnout, grief, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem or navigating a significant life
change.
Sometimes, there isn't an obvious problem. You might simply feel that something isn't quite
right, or that you've been struggling with the same patterns for a while. That can be reason
enough to seek support.  In Ireland we refer to this as "It has all caught up on me!"
Times when therapy may help.
 Overwhelmed, anxious or low more often than you'd like
 Find yourself stuck in the same thoughts, behaviours or relationship patterns
 Are struggling to cope with a recent change, loss or difficult experience
 Feel disconnected from yourself or others "Feeling nothing" "I don't care"
 Are finding it difficult to manage stress or emotions. Overreactions to situations.
 Want to understand yourself and your relationships better
 Keep thinking, “I should be able to handle this,” but are finding it increasingly
difficult
 Highly critical of yourself
Therapy isn't only about addressing difficulties. It can also be an opportunity for personal
growth, self-understanding and developing healthier ways of coping.
What if I don't know what to talk about?
This is one of the most common concerns people have before their first session. You don't
need to arrive with a perfectly explained problem or a list of things you want to discuss.
It is your therapists job to help you explore what's bringing you to therapy and what you'd
like to get from the process. Sometimes simply having a safe, confidential space to talk can
help you begin to make sense of what you're experiencing.  Having a trusting relationship
with your therapist is one of the greatest resources you can have in your life.

What if I'm anxious about starting?
It's completely normal to feel nervous about starting therapy. Talking openly with someone
you don't know can feel uncomfortable at first.  You will be pleasantly surprised how easy it
can be to off load your concerns in a space that is non judgemental and comfortable. You will
leave feeling lighter and usually more hopeful.
A good therapeutic relationship should feel collaborative, respectful and non-judgemental.
You should feel able to ask questions, share concerns and decide what feels right for you.
Here at The Healer's Dance we take great care in matching the clients and their needs to the
therapist who is most suitable. All of our therapists are kind and  compassionate and excel in
building trusting and safe relationships. 
What is the first step?
You don't need to know exactly what you need before contacting a therapist. If you're
wondering whether therapy might be right for you, an initial conversation can be a simple
way to explore that question.  Remember, when you send that first text, or make that first call
you are dealing with a person on the other end who knows exactly what questions to ask and
whose job it is to make the process as easy as possible.
Reaching out for support isn't a sign that you're unable to cope. Sometimes, it's simply a
decision to give yourself the time, space and support to understand what you're going through
and move forward.
If you've been thinking about therapy for a while, that thought itself may be worth exploring. 
Please reach out to us here on www.healersdance.com or 0831354580 and we will take care
of you.