When is the Right Time to See a Therapist?

We are all humans. The human condition can bring with it a lot of negative emotions - stress, anxiety, and even negative self-talk. While these issues aren't inherently bad or abnormal, they can make you feel insecure, isolated, and alienated.

These feelings can creep up at any time and in any place. If we don't have a solid support system or trusted method of coping, these emotions can be destructive and debilitating. That's why it's so important to know when to find a trusted therapist.

What is a therapist?

What is a therapist? This may be an easy question to answer for some, but for others, it can be a little confusing. When it comes to mental health, there are several professionals that can be sought out, but each of these professionals have different specialties and different abilities.

A therapist listens to her patient speak.

Often, when people are talking about a therapist, they can use three different terms - usually therapist or counselor. While there are some similarities between these individuals, they are not the same.

A therapist is a person who has been specially trained to provide different types of therapies to people with specific mental and/or physical disorders. The type of therapy used on each patient will depend on a myriad of personal factors. Some common types of therapies used by therapists include cognitive behavioral therapy, mindful-based cognitive therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy.

A counselor, on the other hand, has a wider scope of training and is usually used for shorter periods. Counselors also help a person work through a specific issue or problem. The main difference here is that counselors usually focus on that specific issue without going deeper into the reason or contributing factors behind those disorders. The deeper dive into causes and triggers is often dealt with alongside a therapist. 

How CAN Therapists Help?

Seeking out a therapist isn't often a person's first reaction. When we struggle with a feeling or an experience, we often seek out friends or trusted family members. While these relationships can provide a certain level of relief from mental health struggles, they are not the same as finding a licensed therapist.

A therapist isn't just someone who sits in a chair and asks you leading questions. A therapist is a trained professional with the tools and skills necessary to walk you through complicated or negative feelings.

A woman speaks to her therapist.

Unlike a best friend, a therapist is trained, objective, and attentive. Therapists are able to listen to your thoughts, concerns, and feelings in a way that a friend just can't. Their training allows them to offer more than a comforting gesture or encouraging quote. They know how to create sustainable changes in your life to cope with and overcome those mental struggles.

What can they help with?

Just about everyone can benefit from seeing a therapist, but others may glean more benefits than others. For people who suffer from mental health disorders like anxiety and mood disorders, addictions, schizophrenia, or eating and personality disorders, therapy can be especially helpful.

But that's not all that therapists can and do help with. In fact, therapists can help you work through life changes and everyday stresses. Therapists can help you develop methods to sleep better, relieve or manage anxiety and stress, recognize and manage unhealthy reactions, recover from different types of abuse, and more.

What are some signs to see a therapist?

So when is the right time to see a therapist? It can be difficult to pinpoint the exact moment a therapist is needed, but there are a few common signs or symptoms that can be used as good indicators.

You feel "off."

That "off" feeling is normal - you feel down, sad, or even anxious. These feelings are normal and experienced by everyone. If these feelings are prolonged, lasting more than two weeks, it might be time to speak with a therapist.

You may feel depressed, anxious or just “off.” These are some reasons to see a therapist.

Your sleep habits change.

A change in your sleep can be to either extreme - sleeping less or sleeping more. A sudden change either way can be a sign that you need to speak with a therapist.

You can't work or maintain relationships.

If your mood and sleep are affected for a long time, it can be hard to work or stay connected with family and friends. If you find it hard to stay motivated at work or go out with friends, then it might be time to find a therapist.

Your physical health is affected.

Our mental health can and does affect our physical health. If you are noticing frequent headaches or stomachaches, it could be a sign that you're dealing with some mental health issues.

Therapy can take a little trial and error. Your first therapist isn't always the right fit, and that's okay! Speak up, switch therapists, and keep working at it.

Counseling and Therapy in Bend

If you’re in the Bend area of Oregon, please see us for professional counseling or therapy. We are home to licensed therapists who are here to help you get through whatever may be affecting you no matter how large or small.