Should I See a Therapist?
Have you not been feeling like yourself lately? Do you find yourself having low motivation? Work fatigue? Anxiety about when our world will be back to "normal"? You're not alone.
A study from the National Alliance on Mental Illness reported 1 in 5 Americans were affected by mental illness in the year 2019. After the COVID-19 epidemic, these numbers have likely grown. If mental illness affects so many Americans and people worldwide, then why is there such a negative stigma associated with it?
Let's put it simply, you are not "broken" or "messed up" if you feel you need an expert's opinion on your mental health. The best part of seeing a licensed therapist is that YOU get to control the session. Many people think therapy is what is portrayed through the media - Freudian style, laying on a sofa, describing your childhood. While your childhood schema can be important in treating mental illness, this depiction could be further from what therapy actually is.
What should I expect from therapy?
All therapy starts the same way - filling out documentation (HIPPA Notice of Privacy Practices, Consent for Services, and the Payment Authorization Form, etc). After the administrative tasks are complete, your therapist will conduct the biopsychosocial assessment (BPSA). The BPSA can take 1-2 sessions. It goes through your present problem, family history, symptoms you are experiencing, and pretty much everything that would sum up your life. While the BPSA can sound like a lot, it provides your therapist insight into who you are and will allow them to collaborate with you on a deeper level in creating your goals for treatment.
Next comes the treatment plan. While the treatment plan feels like another formality, it is actually the most crucial part of therapy. This is the plan that you and your therapist both agree upon that includes your goals for therapy and how you will achieve them. For example, your goal could be to decrease symptoms of depression. Under this goal would be your objectives, which may include: "Describe feelings of depression with therapist weekly"; "Journal at least 3 times per week"; or "Schedule time each week to participate in a joyful activity". Your goals could be as simple or complex as you want them to be, whether they are "Overcome childhood trauma" or "Learn skills for self-care". The treatment plan is then put into place, and reviewed with you every 3-6 months to review progress and see how close you are to discharge.
How long do I have to see a therapist?
Therapy can range from a few sessions to years, depending on your mental illness. For depression and anxiety, you can expect 3-12 months of therapy. For PTSD and trauma, it can take years of therapy to be at a place where you are not impacted daily by their symptoms.
Sometimes people think it is just good to have a therapist, someone they can talk to on a regular basis. While chatting about daily stressors can be therapeutic, your therapist may feel ready to terminate your time together once treatment goals are met. Remember, the goal of therapy is to not have to come to therapy. Discharge is discussed throughout the therapy experience to keep you grounded in yourself and not your therapist. If you feel that you are not ready to discharge from therapy, then you and your therapist can create new treatment goals.
I think I'm ready to see a therapist, how do I find one?
It's great you want to find professional help! There are multiple websites you can look up therapists (such as psychologytoday.com), or just simple Google "Therapists near me". Remember always to seek help from a licensed professional. If you are confused about the different licensees, here are what each one is:
LSW/LISW/LMSW/etc: Licensed Social Workers
LPC: Licensed Professional Counselor
MFC: Marriage and Family Counselor
Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist (advanced clinical therapist with years of research, higher hourly fee)
Psy.D. (advanced clinical therapist with a doctorate degree, less practice in research than a Ph.D., higher hourly fee)
Psychiatrist: a doctor with a specialization in the medication for mental illnesses
Most providers will list what their expertise is in, whether it be eating disorders, OCD, sexual trauma, and so forth. I recommend you call and describe what your present problem is, and you will be best directed from there. Also, do not worry if you feel that your therapist is not a good match for you. It may take time to find the right fit!
Best of wishes for you and your therapeutic journey!
Elizabeth Swan, LISW
