The Individual’s Experience of Therapy: Part 1

Seeking support through therapy may not be an easy choice for anyone to make, possibly due to mental health stigma and less than adequate awareness of how mental healthcare services can help deal with one’s concerns. An individual’s choices, recovery and subsequently the therapeutic process that works for them might be personal to them, which sometimes makes it difficult to describe exactly how it would go without experiencing it.

This article thus presents perspectives of real people who’ve taken therapy and wished to speak about it, to help in providing you with a better understanding of how it could work for you.

#1 It could help enhance your self-awareness and self-care behaviour

“Therapy helped me open up to my emotions and my reality.. I started taking care of myself. I would feel lighter after my sessions; I got to know myself better through them. I would recommend anyone to take therapy because it’s easier sometimes to speak to a professional.”

#2 It could help in developing better assertiveness across situations 

“Therapy has helped me to figure out my own boundaries, to not react and to learn to be more open to possibilities and to not be too harsh on myself. It helps to have an objective outlook on things, to have a support system that is however, professional, but also looking out for my best interests. Working with a mental health professional is much like being in close consultation with a voice that is unbiased and not looking to only validate whatever I feel is true/good/okay. It helps that there are no solutions given but the solutions if any, are encouraged to be sought out after engaging with oneself more, after being aware of oneself, one’s boundaries, expectations and self.”

#3 Professional support could help you navigate through concerns in a more deliberate way

“Therapy has helped me be aware of my thoughts, emotions and feelings, and navigate through them peacefully & positively. It is always a good idea to discuss your emotional issues with a knowledgable person who can help deal with those issues.”

#4 It could help provide a sense of structure and perspective to your concerns so you are able to prioritise and make informed decisions

“Therapy helped me to realise what is troubling me and what I needed to do to work on it; it also helped me prioritise what is important to me. Seeking help from a professional helps you to get familiar with the method of getting to know the problem and then finding the solution for them, if not the solution at least to be patient and not losing yourself with it.”

#5 It could help with specific and difficult emotions (like anxiety) and work towards reducing related distress

“Therapy has helped me gain a better understanding of who I fundamentally am as a person. It has also enabled me to deal with daily anxiety related issues and helped identify triggers to certain oscillations in mood. It has given me the tools to deal with stressful situations/ flashbacks in a more constructive way. Working with a mental health professional has helped move along the healing process significantly. This is because professionals offer a completely objective, non biased and emotionally safe space to share your issues. Taking professional helped me process and work through personal issues helps you take a step back and then take stock of what is actually bothering you and how you would like to proceed.”

#6 It could help build a better relationship with your own thoughts, emotions and self

“So far, therapy has helped me understand myself better and become more aware of why I am the way I am. With more awareness. I find myself dealing with day-to-day anxiety in a much better manner. Because, it is eventually about navigating through life and living it. Right?”

#7 It provides a space where you put yourself first and could learn to become more empathetic towards your own self and your needs

“Being an anxious person in general, therapy has taught me that it is okay to take a step back when you want to. This step not necessarily means giving up, but just a preparation to get back even more stronger than before. It has taught me to enjoy my off days, without feeling guilty. For me, Working on my issues meant realisation of the fact that taking breaks does not mean I am lazy or running away from my responsibilities.Honestly, it indeed was difficult initially. However as time passed by, I realised that I am a more confident person now. I can plan my tasks more efficiently and take breaks without guilts. All these because I chose to seek help, professional help, to be precise. The most common assumption which people have about mental health professionals is that they are the world’s most emotionally balanced beings who have their shit together ALWAYS irrespective of situations, without any help. And this story will probably break the myth. Therapy is for everyone irrespective of any profession.”

#8 The therapeutic space can provide you with support even as you and the people/situations are changing around you

“Therapy has now helped me with various concerns over time – grief, anxiety, depressive symptoms, etc. Having someone to discuss my rational/irrational thoughts without the fear of being judged helped me explore myself. It felt like a safe space and was an outlet channel for me and my problems. It’s a process whose meaning and goals for me have changed over time – but the connect with my therapist remains an obviously human one which specifically caters to my concerns and growth. As someone who likes to build both personal and professional relationships based on the value of empathy, such a connect can be hugely relieving, like a neutral reflective space for learning about life and relationships.”

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This article was written by a mental health professional. But we were humans long before we trained as professionals, and so are always looking to learn better! If you found that any of the above is inaccurate, irrelevant or unhelpful, or would like to suggest ways to make this article more helpful in any way, please let us know in the comments below.

 As you might have surmised, the therapeutic space does not possess one size or quality that fits all. It’s also possible that your specific concerns or goals (thought of for yourself or the people around you) may not have been mentioned in this article. If you haven’t found what you were looking for, please feel free to look at further links (mentioned below) or contact us directly for personalized help.