Why do people come to therapy?
Are people who go to shrinks ‘cuckoo’?
These are some of the questions I regularly get from people who’ve never been to therapy. I think there are a lot of myths and taboos about psychology, therapy and mental health.
Carly’s Couch is all about breaking down myths and stereotypes about psychology, psychologists and therapy.
Therapy is not only for people who are really struggling with mental disorders. Absolutely anyone and everyone can benefit from therapy.
Most people I see in my practice are regular people who have families and who hold down jobs. Sometimes they come to me during times of crisis or during times of change but their intention is not to fix a problem or a symptom but rather to explore their selves and find meaning.
Even when someone seeks therapy to resolve a specific problem, the process invariably involves more than just that. I like to think of therapy as a journey of self-discovery. As a therapist, my primary role is to be present and to observe you in ways that illuminate certain parts of your self that you cannot see already.
We all have pain. We all have parts of us that are hidden from view. We protect ourselves by distancing ourselves from these parts because they are uncomfortable. A therapist provides a safe place. This safety is created by the regularity of sessions, the empathy and acceptance we experience from the therapist and the trust that is achieved by spending time with someone and sharing intimate details about our selves in a non-judgemental and caring environment.
In the safety of the therapeutic relationship we can start to expose our more vulnerable parts and as we do so we learn how to love and accept ourselves entirely, even the parts that hurt the most.
To “know thyself” is always a worthwhile pursuit and the self-discovery that therapy offers is invaluable. Becoming conscious will change your life. It will change the way you feel about yourself and how you interact with other people. As you learn and grow, you will make meaning in ways that can help you feel invigorated and refreshed. To come into contact with one’s pain and darkness incredibly helps one step into the light. Life is all about choices and therapy is about choosing your self.
For more info please feel free to contact me here.
