Therapy: A Lifeline, Not a Last Resort

By: Angy Farhat

For many years, therapy has been misunderstood, with many individuals associating it only with severe mental health problems. According to the American Psychological Association, nearly 50% of individuals with mental health issues don’t seek help, partly due to the stigma that therapy is for “broken” people or those in crisis. This narrative discourages people from reaching out, preventing them from using therapy as a preventative measure. Therapy should be seen as a lifeline—an essential tool for maintaining mental wellness, not a last resort.

Therapy is not just for people in crisis; it’s a vital tool for anyone looking to enhance their emotional well-being. Much like going to the gym for physical fitness, therapy helps strengthen your mental resilience. Regular sessions provide a space to understand your thoughts and behaviors, improve emotional regulation, and build coping strategies for life’s challenges. By addressing concerns before they escalate, therapy can prevent issues like anxiety or depression from becoming overwhelming.

Types of Therapy

There are various types of therapy, each suited to different needs:

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Focuses on changing negative thought patterns.
2. Psychodynamic Therapy – Explores unconscious processes influencing behavior.
3. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – Aids in managing intense emotions.
4. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings without judgment while committing to actions that align with their values.
5. Couples or Family Therapy – Improves communication and resolves conflicts.

These diverse approaches allow individuals to choose the therapy that best fits their needs, whether they’re struggling with a specific issue or simply seeking personal growth.

The Lifelong Benefits of Therapy

Therapy offers lasting benefits beyond temporary relief. Research from the National Institute of Mental Health shows that therapy can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. People who engage in therapy often experience improved emotional resilience, healthier relationships, and better-coping mechanisms. The skills you gain in therapy can help you manage stress, navigate life transitions, and maintain mental balance in the long term.

While therapy can benefit anyone, there are certain signs that indicate it might be time to seek help:

• Persistent Feelings of Overwhelm or Stress
  If daily tasks are becoming increasingly difficult to manage due to stress or anxiety, therapy can help you develop coping skills and regain control.
• Significant Mood Changes
  If you notice consistent changes in your mood, such as prolonged sadness, irritability, or feelings of hopelessness, therapy can help you address underlying emotional issues.
• Difficulty Managing Relationships
  Struggles in personal or professional relationships, marked by ongoing conflict or miscommunication, can be a sign that therapy is needed to improve interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
• Changes in Behavior
  If you’ve noticed significant changes in behavior—such as withdrawal from activities, social isolation, or changes in sleeping or eating habits—it’s important to address these shifts with professional support.
• Difficulty Coping with Major Life Changes
  Life events such as a breakup, job loss, or the death of a loved one can trigger emotional

If any of these resonate, therapy could be a helpful resource to regain clarity, manage emotions, and improve your well-being.

If you or someone you love is seeking therapy, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling and Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/. 

References:

American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Why therapy works: Therapy and mental health. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/therapy

American Psychiatric Association. (n.d.). Myths about therapy. American Psychiatric Association. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/what-is-psychiatry

Harvard Health Publishing. (2018, May). Cognitive behavioral therapy: A whole-body approach to improving your mental health. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/cognitive-behavioral-therapy

Mayo Clinic. (2021, December 20). Mental health care: Types of psychotherapy. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/expert-answers/therapy/faq-20057886

World Health Organization. (2013, October). Mental health: Strengthening our response. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response