Am I Ready To Begin Therapy?

Madissyn Fredericks, Licensed Professional Counselor, Symmetry Counseling

The question, “Am I ready for therapy?”, is a question that is asked by many as they struggle with life’s challenges and mental health concerns. You may ask yourself, “Is now the right time?” or “Is therapy actually what I need?”. These questions are normal and good questions to ask yourself before you schedule the first session. Therapy is a deeply personal and often challenging process that involves honest self-reflection and openness as you address the personal and social challenges you meet every day. While therapy requires time, patience, and determination, it is most definitely worth it when the time is right for you. Therefore, it is crucial to ask yourself some of the questions below, before committing to therapy, to make sure it is the right time for you. If this moment does not feel right to you, that is okay! It is important to embark on that journey when you are ready in order to get the most out of it!

Have I found a therapist that is a good fit for me?

There is no shame in shopping around to find a therapist that matches your personality and needs. Maybe you are looking for a trauma counselor, a marriage and family therapist, a sex therapist, or a cognitive behavioral therapist (CBT). These are specialties among many more that are available to you as you narrow down your search for the right therapist. It is also acceptable and encourages to ask for a consultation with each therapist you are interested in to see who you think would be the best fit for you.

Are the stressors in my life affecting other areas of my life?

Life throws all sorts of obstacles your way: A new project at work, applying to colleges, going through a break-up, the car broke down, etc. While you may have been able to cope with these in the past, maybe it has been more difficult recently. Often times stress feels so big that it can leak into other areas of life such as your personal, professional, and social life. When this is the case, it can feel like things have gotten out of control and you may feel like therapy is the best option for you.

Are my mental health concerns overwhelming?

Mental health concerns entail a wide variety of mental health symptoms you may be experiencing or struggling with. Some common symptoms and problems that may bring people into therapy include a sudden lack of interest in things they once enjoyed, overwhelming anxiety that stops them from experiencing life normally, overwhelming sadness, lack of social support, low self-esteem, etc. When these symptoms feel like they are too much to handle, it is important to seek some guidance to learn some good coping skills to handle them.

Am I open to challenge and change?

This is one of the most important questions to ask yourself. If the answer is “No, I am not”, then it is not the right time for you. Therapy entails a good amount of self-reflection, reframing, new skills, and challenges that need openness in order to be received fully. If you have been considering therapy for some time now and are open change, you may be ready for therapy. Take a moment to reflect and think about some of these questions and you will know when you are ready to schedule that first session!

If you are considering coming in for therapy and want to make sure the time is right for you, try asking yourself these questions. If you feel the time is right, we are here to connect you with a therapist fit for you. Contact Symmetry Counseling at 312-578-9990 to schedule an appointment with one of our very skilled therapists today!