THERAPY NOW OR LATER? TAKE OUR QUIZ

Change is scary, it causes stress to adjust the way we live our lives to manage a new habit and forces us to face the possibilities of the unknown.  For this reason, we are inclined to avoid it innately without even realizing we are.  One form of change avoidance is resistance to therapy.

Resistance to therapy refers to a client’s reluctance or hesitation in engaging fully with therapeutic processes, hindering progress. It often stems from various sources such as fear of vulnerability, past negative experiences, skepticism about therapy’s effectiveness, or societal stigma surrounding mental health. This resistance manifests as avoidance, lack of cooperation, or reluctance to explore certain topics. Even after we have committed to the first appointment, we may find reasons to arrive late or not at all or we may focus on our personal annoyances with a therapist instead of allowing the well meaning message to seep in.Understanding and addressing these barriers with empathy and tailored approaches are crucial. Therapy aims to create a safe, non-judgmental space to navigate these resistances, fostering trust and enabling clients to overcome barriers, fostering personal growth, and achieving therapeutic goals.

Resistance to therapy is a common and understandable aspect of seeking help for mental health concerns. It often arises due to various factors, including fear, skepticism, or discomfort with the therapeutic process.

One common reason for resistance is fear of vulnerability. Opening up about personal struggles and emotions can feel daunting and uncomfortable. Individuals might fear judgment or worry about losing control of their emotions in therapy sessions.

Skepticism about therapy’s effectiveness can also lead to resistance. Some people might question whether talking to a therapist can truly help or if it’s worth the time and effort.

Cultural or societal stigma surrounding mental health can contribute to resistance. In some cultures, seeking therapy or admitting to mental health struggles is viewed negatively, leading individuals to avoid seeking help.

Moreover, past negative experiences with therapy or mental health professionals can create a barrier. If someone has felt misunderstood or unsupported in previous therapeutic relationships, they might be hesitant to try therapy again.

Overcoming resistance to therapy often involves building trust and rapport with a therapist, gradually acclimating to the therapeutic process, and addressing any concerns or fears. Therapists employ various techniques to create a safe and supportive environment, allowing individuals to feel more comfortable and open during sessions.

Understanding and addressing the reasons behind resistance are crucial steps in embracing the therapeutic process. It’s essential to recognize that feeling resistant to therapy is normal and can be worked through with the right therapist and approach.

The question is not if one needs therapy, but rather when it can best serve us. Some common signs that we are in need of therapy immediately are: feeling stretched thin, feeling less than best, experiencing many stressful events simultaneously, panic, muscle tension, difficulty going to sleep, not taking care of self, feeling lazy when not “doing”, brutal self talk, hiding something that feels embarrassing, trying not to think about something, drinking or snacking too much, not being able to look in the mirror, or feedback from others that we are overreacting or defensive.

Finding a good therapist is always a good idea.  If you are in crisis, therapy can help stabilize your life and provide you valuable resources that make the therapeutic journey much easier with the most fitting support services.  If you are in a period of personal growth, a therapist can be helpful to verbally process your story and maintain this homeostasis.  Plus, knowing that the therapist is available is a wonderful safety net to build in before stressors hit.  Having a strong therapy bond can be seen as a preventative measure or insurance.

Generally, it requires a few weekly sessions followed by a stretch of biweekly sessions to establish a strong rapport with a therapist.  Once the groundwork has been laid and the therapist has had time and repetitive exposure to a client, we can move to a monthly maintenance as is feasible.  So, back to the question at hands, do I need therapy? Follow on.

The question is not if one needs therapy, but rather when it can best serve us. Some common signs that we are in need of therapy immediately are: feeling stretched thin, feeling less than best, experiencing many stressful events simultaneously, panic, muscle tension, difficulty going to sleep, not taking care of self, feeling lazy when not “doing”, brutal self talk, hiding something that feels embarrassing, trying not to think about something, drinking or snacking too much, not being able to look in the mirror, or feedback from others that we are overreacting or defensive.

Finding a good therapist is always a good idea.  If you are in crisis, therapy can help stabilize your life and provide you valuable resources that make the therapeutic journey much easier with the most fitting support services.  If you are in a period of personal growth, a therapist can be helpful to verbally process your story and maintain this homeostasis.  Plus, knowing that the therapist is available is a wonderful safety net to build in before stressors hit.  Having a strong therapy bond can be seen as a preventative measure or insurance.

Generally, it requires a few weekly sessions followed by a stretch of biweekly sessions to establish a strong rapport with a therapist.  Once the groundwork has been laid and the therapist has had time and repetitive exposure to a client, we can move to a monthly maintenance as is feasible.  So, back to the question at hands, do I need therapy? Follow on.

This 40 item screening test is designed to give you a proxy to how desperately you may or may not need therapy.  Often when we begin considering whether we should make the call or book the appointment, we put it on the back burner as non-urgent.  This is a quick guide based on the collective wisdom of the Grotto clinical team that helps give you a general idea of how urgent this matter seems.  As you take this quiz, we encourage you to select the item of your first thought, don’t second guess yourself or overthink the items.  If you have any questions or would prefer to speak with a clinician, we offer free consultation as you may need. Take the Need for Therapy Quiz