It’s 2021 and “because you want to” or “because we are still dealing with a global pandemic” should be reason enough. There are all kinds of reasons to seek out help from an expert. Counselors and social workers have gone through several years of schooling, including a master’s program, as well as rigorous training for licensure. These routes of education (which continue into our careers with Continuing Education Units or CEUs) provide us with substantial knowledge about the intricacies of human experience.
Unless you actively seek out material on emotional processing, relationship management, and mental health- you only have the model you’ve been given… and sometimes that isn’t enough or does not work for you anymore.
Here are more reasons to explore what therapy can offer:
- If you are feeling stuck in any one certain mood or pattern
- If you’ve noticed similar issues coming up across different relationships
- If you are having difficulty managing stress
- If you are curious about your development as a person
- If you are looking for ways to change how you handle fear, anger, sadness, rejection, etc.
- If any of your symptoms are affecting social, emotional, or occupational functioning
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- Anxious/intrusive thoughts, disproportionate reactions, social withdrawal, extreme fatigue, episodic crying, panic attacks
- If you want an unbiased person to talk things out with
- If you’re undergoing a big change or life transition
- Family or romantic partner conflict
- To increase self-awareness
- To create a space that’s for you to focus on yourself (instead of your task list for the day)
- If you’ve experienced a recent loss
- If you’re curious about your sexuality or identity
- If you’re feeling frustrated or scared
- If you don’t like yourself
This is not an exhaustive list. There are more reasons to go to therapy than not. It can seem daunting to get started but therapy can be a very rewarding process. It does not mean you are dealing with a severe or chronic mental illness, although therapy can be helpful for those things too. It can also be a place to work on growth, gain education and insight on emotional patterns, and uncover existential questions. Your therapy experience is unique and will be what you make it.
A good fit with a proper and qualified counselor is important. So here are a few tips to get you started on your journey!
- Consider what qualities you are looking for in a therapist
- Check out the Meet Us page on our website and peruse our diverse group of clinicians
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- OR go to Psychology Today to search for a clinician that meets your needs
- I suggest picking a handful of prospects and reaching out to schedule a free consultation to confirm it will be a good fit
- Schedule your intake!
Getting started is the hardest part. Let us know if there is anything we can do to make that process easier for you. Healthier Days are Here!
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About Jasmine Payne:
Jasmine is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She provides services via telehealth and on select days in-person at the Fredericksburg location. She is a two-time graduate of Longwood University, receiving her B.S. in Psychology followed by an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Throughout her professional career, Jasmine has worked with clients who belong to various minority and multicultural populations. Her passion lies in assisting clients through life transitions, conquering anxiety, and finding meaning in their life. She also works with couples and enjoys teaching partners how to use alternative methods of communication and facilitating effective conflict management. Currently, she holds her Level I and II Gottman Training Certifications for Couple’s Counseling. To learn more about Jasmine, visit HERE.