3 Ways Therapy Helps You Manage Your Mental Health for a Happier Life

If you have been struggling with your mental health, you might be wondering if therapy is worth it. Maybe you’re curious about talking to a therapist, but something has been holding you back. For example, you might be skeptical that telling someone about your problems won’t do much. And you may even be worried that it will make you feel worse. You may be confused as to how talking to a therapist would be very different from talking to close friends. And overall, you may be concerned that you won’t leave therapy with any concrete skills.

Yes, there are many misconceptions about therapy. Working with the right therapist can be highly beneficial for many people. It can take some time to find a therapist you trust and click with, but when you do, you can make great progress through therapy and feel much happier in your day-to-day life.

Here’s how therapy can teach you manage your mental health to improve the quality of your life.

A Neutral, Non-Judgmental, Confidential Outlet

Talking to a friend about your mental health can help you de-stress. A cathartic conversation allows you to let go of some of your worries. It’s always good to have someone in your life who you can lean on when you’re going through a difficult time. Talking to a therapist can be helpful even if you have close friends to turn to. This is because everything you tell a therapist will be confidential.

You can rest assured that unless they need to coordinate with another healthcare provider for your benefit, whatever you tell them will stay between the two of you. Therefore, you do not have to hold back on anything you want to get off your chest. A therapist has no bias or judgment, they are there to serve your needs and help you reflect of what is good for you!

When you talk to a friend, you might keep certain things inside out of fear of being judged. When you talk to a therapist, you can be completely honest, which is the key to embarking on the healing process. Being completely honest and transparent with a stranger can pose some challenges for many of us. That is why the connection (the “click”) with the therapist is imperative. IF you tried working with someone and it wasn’t the right fit, do not give us, try someone else.

Shifting Your Beliefs

Through therapy, you can take a step back and examine long-held beliefs that may prevent you from reaching your full potential. It can be difficult to re-evaluate your beliefs on your own. Input from a therapist may help you evaluate things from a new perspective. Sometimes even just talking out loud about your circumstances and the options presented can help you shift the situation.

Many times, we develop schemas (the way we view ourselves, others, and the world) at an early age due to abuse, strict home environment or other circumstances. Those believes we develop make reality somewhat skewed and challenging. Being able to talk to someone objective and neutral that has the best intention to help you get better can be a game changer!

It can be also hard to put your beliefs under a microscope and start scrutinizing the thought patterns that have dictated your life for so long. However, this can also be very freeing. Your therapist can help you identify which beliefs you’ve held onto, even though they aren’t true so that you can start transforming your beliefs about yourself.

Changing Your Behaviors

Many people assume that therapy is all about talking. However. during therapy sessions, your therapist will also work with you on tangible skills that can serve you well outside of therapy. At Helping Moon Counseling, we believe in a holistic approach. In addition to using evidenced based practices to help you improve we incorporate breathing, meditation, art, and more. We believe in making sure the therapy matches your personality and will help you reach your maximum potential. After all we are all about helping you reach the moon, if that is what you want!

For instance, your therapist might teach you about mindfulness practices like meditation or encourage you to commit to writing in a journal. You may work on grounding techniques that can help you get centered during stressful times. You can also focus on skills that will improve your relationships, like setting healthy boundaries, communicating, and advocating for yourself and your own needs.

Overall, therapy can grant you the opportunity to change your thought and behaviors, and therefore, change your mood. With healthier habits, you’ll be able to boost your mental health and feel happier.

Has your mental health been suffering? Working with a therapist can help you change your life for the better. Reach out to us today to discuss your options for scheduling your first session.