The decision to ask for help is not always easy, because sometimes we think it means that we acknowledge a weakness or a failure. Seeking help from a psychologist is even more complicated because it adds to the stereotypes that exist around mental health . But the truth is that asking for help is a choice that shows courage and maturity.
In general, the decision to go to a psychologist is a process in which the person realizes their condition and discomfort, realizes that time does not heal the wounds as expected and understands that they need help to face this situation.
Psychologists don’t solve problems, they help you find the solution
In the same way that there is no point enduring a toothache, there is no point enduring emotional pain. It is important to understand that we cannot always treat everything ourselves . In many cases, time is not enough and it does not heal the wounds, it only adds additional layers of resentment, hatred and frustration.
In fact, we must consider that repressed emotions will sooner or later come to light . Feelings and traumas that are not expressed accumulate in the unconscious, and some conditions end up making us explode. In other cases, day after day they turn into negative thought patterns and behaviors that damage relationships and represent an obstacle to happiness .
Also, we do not go to a psychologist only when we feel bad. There are psychologists specialized in coaching who can help you make an important decision in your life, deepen your needs and have a clearer vision of the life you want to live. These professionals can also help you drastically change your life to achieve your goals, improve interpersonal relationships, or simply develop greater self-esteem and self-confidence.
1. Have a space just for you
Many people put the needs of others before their own, be it their children, parents or partner. But, always being relegated to a second plan, in time, causes various emotional problems and can generate a feeling of loneliness and emptiness, despite being surrounded by many people. Leaning on a psychologist is a way of taking care of ourselves, it is like going to a spa or receiving a massage, it is a message that you send to yourself in which you indicate that you consider yourself important and take care of yourself. With the psychologist you will have time just to talk about your problems, concerns and / or dreams.
2. You discover exactly what is happening to you
Sometimes emotions take over and prevent us from thinking clearly, block us, or push us to make decisions that we would not have even considered. In these moments we feel confused, we lose the compass. A psychologist can help us find our way and try to explain what is happening. In fact, many people are automatically relieved to find an explanation for the symptoms they are experiencing, it is as if everything makes sense and the situation becomes easier to accept.
Talking about your concerns helps you learn about many details that you have overlooked. Talking allows you to clarify your ideas, it makes you the owner of your feelings, therefore, you will feel relieved and that will allow you to make better decisions.
3. Be heard without being judged
The psychologist will listen to you, without making value judgments, or applying stereotypes and labels. A therapy session is a space where you can talk about anything without fear of being judged or criticized. In fact, even if we are not fully aware, sometimes we need a dose of unconditional acceptance that allows us to rebalance our self-esteem.
The psychologist will not only listen to your problems, but will pay attention to your extra-verbal language and your emotions; It will not judge you in terms of “good or bad”, but will try to help you understand.
4. You will get a more complete and objective view
The psychologist will not comment on your values or experiences as “right or wrong”, but will provide you with a professional point of view on what is happening. It will help you find an explanation, to understand what is happening to you and find the best solution. Since he is not emotionally involved in the situation, he can give you a more complete and objective perspective of the problem . In this way, you will realize the factors that prevent you from moving forward and make you feel bad to be able to modify them.
5. Get to know yourself better and understand others
Psychotherapy not only allows you to get to know yourself better, it will also help you understand other people . You will be able to deepen your feelings, and you will become more empathic with others and you will understand the reasons for their behavior. In fact, when we have negative thoughts and don’t process them, they become assumptions that prevent us from seeing the world as it is. When you can let go of these unrealistic expectations and beliefs, not only will you get to know yourself better, but you will also find it easier to understand the intentions and motives of others.
6. You will learn to manage emotions, thoughts and behaviors
Psychology is a science based on years of experimentation and scientific studies, with an infinite arsenal of techniques to help you alleviate some symptoms or achieve your goals. A psychologist will help identify and modify the dysfunctional thoughts that make the patient feel bad, will teach you to better manage your emotions and eliminate negative habits by replacing them with healthier ones. However, it is worth remembering that the psychologist does not have a magic wand to solve all your problems, but will provide you with the techniques and strategies that you can implement yourself to resolve these conflicts.
7. You will develop skills to resolve conflicts
Conflicts are part of daily life, therefore medications are not a permanent solution, but only a band-aid on a wound that continues to bleed. On the contrary, psychotherapy offers useful tools that not only help you solve current problems but also those that may arise in the future.
Psychotherapy is designed to develop the skills that allow you to face everyday life, first helping you to recognize your emotions and misconceptions and, secondly, making you reflect and change them. Psychology has not only a curative, but also a preventive character.