Should I have a therapist?

I have been thinking about what my blog post could be this month.  I was moved to write about making the decision to go to therapy. I know that deciding to focus on self and change can be a difficult decision and sometimes scary or overwhelming.  Implied in the decision is an openness to change and self reflection.  Change is not something we humans naturally run towards (or even walk towards).  Emotions get a raw deal in our society.  We haven't really made it a habit to focus on emotional education, understanding and expression.  There is still a stigma about therapy.  So, the idea of diving into emotions and change might not be a person's favorite idea.  

I see therapy so differently than that big overwhelming step.   I'm very clear that going to therapy is about investing in your future.  It is about deciding to live toward fulfillment instead of survival.  I value the process of engaging in therapy and believe everyone can benefit from therapy in the same way everyone can benefit from routine visits to their primary care physicians.  I believe in mental health and wellness practices and that is what coming to counseling is to me.  It is an opportunity to learn about and understand and improve your own mental health.  That means different things for different people.  Maybe it is living with less anxiety, or feeling more motivated.  Maybe it means getting along better at school or work, feeling less stressed.  Maybe it means increasing connection and meaning in your relationships to your partner or family members. 

One thing I have learned in working as a therapist is that people can be amazing and strong in their ability to effect change in their own lives.   When I started thinking about how to word this post, how to express my thoughts on counseling I came across a website about the benefits of therapy.  It's called: I Have aTherapist.  It's all about reducing the stigma of going to therapy.  It is about seeing the value in understanding emotions and relationships.  It is exactly what I wanted to say in this post, but better.  It left me amazed once more by the power of the human spirit.  You can view the site here http://ihaveatherapist.com/ and see what you think.