Why Therapy

One of the questions I commonly encounter in my work with clients is, “how is talking about my problems going to fix anything?”  This is such an unfortunate misperception, as brain science now provides scientific evidence to support what was once just experienced by those in therapy, that is, the relationship matters and heals!  A meaningful therapeutic connection accomplishes this through a concept called neuroplasticity, which is the brains’ ability to reorganize itself and form new connections in response to new learning and experience.  A therapeutic relationship that encompasses attributes such as attunement and resonance helps cultivate the development of integrative fibers in the brain that promote self-regulation, meaning that you can handle life’s ups and downs with more balance.  This process also reduces cortisol, the stress hormone, as well as other inflammatory markers in the body, which have been associated with depression and anxiety.  In addition, talk therapy helps to integrate and process feelings and experiences that are unresolved and likely causing one distress.

If you are considering therapy, are suffering, or are not satisfied with your life, important questions to ask yourself include “do you find yourself held back in life by your depression, anxiety, addiction, eating disorder, low self-esteem, etc?  Are you waiting until you’re ‘better’ to begin certain goals, be more social, be a more loving partner/mother/friend, or start that exercise program you know would be good for you?  Are you confused by behaviors that you keep engaging in that you are not good for you, but you can’t seem to stop?   Have you been able to give up an unhealthy coping mechanism, only to have it replaced by another unhealthy one?”

If the answer is “yes”, to any of the above then starting therapy is absolutely the first step in the right direction.