Navigating through your twenties, heck, your entire life can be challenging. Having someone to lean on in your times of need is absolutely critical in order to survive those hellish times. Having an individual whom is on your side and is solely looking for you to not only succeed, but also flourish, is just the icing on the cake.
This person is my therapist.
Every week I meet with my therapist to discuss what is happening in my life. I email her throughout the week to make sure she is up to speed once I walk in the door. Let’s face it; life isn’t always pretty. Some days I walk into her office, plop on the couch, and cry my eyes out. Other days, I am happy and only discuss the wonders of being young. Welcome to the life of a twenty-something.
Going to therapy doesn’t make you crazy. At first, I was ashamed to tell people I went to therapy sessions on a weekly basis. I didn’t want to admit that I needed help. I also thought that going to a therapist meant that I was mentally insane. In reality, we all could use someone to lean on. Therapy can assist you in healing from a bad breakup, family issues (come on, we all have them), a quarter life crisis, or most importantly, yourself. From my experience, it’s the people who say, “I’m fine” who in reality are screaming to be saved. Going to therapy makes you a brave and strong person. You’re allowing yourself to truly feel those emotions that you’d otherwise throw in the closet along with those old shoes. Save yourself the trouble and talk through your issues now. You’ll make some room for some new stilettos. And let’s face it, we could all use a new pair.
Don’t hesitate to pass on the first therapist you meet with. Four years and three therapists later, I’ve found my match. The first two therapists I met with went nowhere past the stereotype. It helped to get my frustrations of the day out once a week, but they never truly allowed me to get to the root of why I was feeling the way I did. I figured that all therapists were the same. What I have learned in my short four years of seeking therapy is that they are definitely not all the same.
Seeking out therapy is the best thing I ever did. My current therapist allows me to vent and work to get to the bottom of every scenario. Over the course of the last two years with my current therapist, I feel more aware of my thoughts and feelings. I also have a better understanding of why I am who I am today. It can be nerve wracking and some weeks are very repetitive. Old habits die hard. It takes a special person (aka my therapist) to truly allow me to break the cycle of mental illness and live a freer life.
Resisting is a huge waste of time. If someone is forcing you to go and you don’t want to go, you aren’t going to take in any help that your therapist is giving you. Chances are (if you have a decent therapist) that they put in a lot of time to make sure your sessions with them are productive and beneficial. Do them a favor and show up both physically and emotionally.
Some people say that therapy is a waste of time. I’ve also heard people mention that they talk to a coworker or best friend about their problems. That’s wonderful, however, talking to a licensed professional will get you a lot more than a simple response of ‘cool’, or ‘suck it up’. I’m here to tell you: you aren’t crazy, everything will be okay, and there is free counseling available at most universities. Girl, you got this.
Featured image via cottonbro on Pexels
I was so embarrassed when I first started therapy, I wish this article existed two years ago- great job, girl!!