Therapy 101: What IS Mental Health Therapy, Anyway?

In today's fast-paced world, taking care of our mental health is more important than ever. It's crucial to prioritize self-care and seek professional help when needed. These days, we hear the words "counseling" and "mental health therapy" all around us, but what do they ACTUALLY mean? What IS counseling? What does the process entail? How can counseling or therapy help YOU?

Mental health therapy, also known as psychotherapy or counseling, is a professional service that helps individuals navigate ANY challenges that they may be facing through life, be it emotional, psychological, and/or behavioral challenges. Therapy offers a safe, supportive space for people to explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and improve overall well-being. From overwhelming issues that seem insurmountable, to just trying to figure out day-to-day life, therapy can benefit anyone, regardless of age, background, or mental health condition.

What Can I Talk About in Therapy?

Therapy is not just for those experiencing severe mental illness—it can be beneficial for anyone facing stress, life transitions, or personal challenges.

Some common reasons people seek therapy include:

• Anxiety and depression

• Relationship issues

• Grief and loss

• Life transitions (e.g., career changes, moving, becoming a parent)

• Self-esteem and confidence struggles

• Coping with past trauma

• Managing stress and burnout

Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a courageous choice to prioritize your mental health. Embrace healing, embrace wellness, and embrace the journey towards a healthier and happier you.

What to Expect in Therapy

From the moment you google the words "Therapist near me", or "Counseling near [whatever location you're at], the journey towards counseling can be daunting! Here, we cover a little bit of what to expect from the therapeutic experience.

The first therapy session typically involves an assessment where the therapist gathers background information and discusses goals. As therapists, we WANT you to be involved in your therapeutic journey! So don't be shy, the process of figuring out what YOU want out of therapy is a collaborative experience, and one we want you to be a part of.

Once you've had your first sessions, therapy sessions typically start with weekly sessions. These first few months are essential to building what we describe as the "therapist-client rapport", which is the relationship that you have with your therapist. As you continue along in your mental health journey, therapy sessions may continue to be held weekly, or might move towards biweekly, monthly, or "as needed" sessions, depending on how you and your therapist feels about your therapeutic progress. Though the majority of both therapists and clients tend to prefer having sessions be in-person, therapy can take place either in-person or online.

During therapy, clients can expect to:

• Talk openly about their thoughts and emotions

• Develop practical coping strategies

• Gain insight into patterns of behavior

• Work on setting and achieving personal goals

• Receive support in a judgment-free environment

Finding the Right Therapist

Choosing the right therapist is a personal decision that depends on factors such as approach, personality, and specialization.

I have always found the process of finding the "right therapist" to be rather similar to the process of dating. Does that sound weird? Well, hear me out!

The process of finding the right therapist for YOU involves finding someone you have great chemistry with, someone you enjoy meeting and talking to, and someone who you can feel truly "gets" you. The therapeutic journey can be an extremely vulnerable one, so you would want to find someone that makes you feel comfortable opening up. Just like in dating, you've probably got some "deal-breakers" too! You're also looking for someone who meets your needs and is willing to work with you through what you're seeking support for. And, of course, you want someone who will accept you without judgment and create a space where you feel safe and supported.

At the end of the day, it’s important to find a therapist who makes you feel comfortable and understood. If you think about the process of dating and how you might not put up with someone who might not be the right fit for you as a life partner, then in the same way, don't sell yourself short on finding the right fit for yourself in a therapist either! Sometimes, finding the right therapist may take some time, and other times, you might find someone off the first try. The important thing is to remember to ask questions and advocate for what YOU need as a client. Many therapists offer free consultations to help you determine if they are a good fit.

Final Thoughts

Mental health therapy is a powerful tool for self-growth, healing, and emotional well-being. Whether you’re struggling with a specific issue or simply looking for support in navigating life’s challenges, therapy can provide the guidance and skills needed to thrive. Seeking help is a sign of strength, and investing in your mental health is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

At Emerald Path Therapy, our mission is to ensure that you have everything you need to take the first steps towards the life you want to live. If you're ready to prioritize your mental health and embark on a path to wellness, consider reaching out to us at Emerald Path Therapy, and take that first step today! When you invest in yourself, it will ALWAYS be worth it!