Should I Start Therapy?

Oh boy, this is a favourite topic of mine! I live in a small rural town in Ontario. There is lots of stigma and ideas about what therapy is or what it should look like. I have heard comments like “Hope I don’t need therapy”, “It’s not that bad”, “I am not that far gone” etc. It’s too bad really because I often wonder if stigma is a barrier to seeking support.

I invite you to engage in support, find a counsellor that will meet you where you’re at. If it’s “not that bad” then maybe this is an opportunity to engage your strengths and coping strategies that are working to ensure their presence when or if you need them. Counselling can be a good opportunity to check in, review your relationships and supports and feel refreshed in moving forward. Your wellbeing doesn’t have to wait, your mind and body wellness deserve the same attention.

If you are feeling like you aren’t in need of routine support that’s okay! Often people expect that when they start counselling they will be expected to return each week or biweekly. That’s not the case.

Many professionals will discuss this at the end of the session, provide a summary, and maybe some insight on what might be helpful. Often that includes conversation about when it would be helpful to meet again, for some it is weekly to start, and monthly to follow, for others it is certain times of the year or during especially difficult seasons.

It really is yours to decide how often you might schedule in, but yes now is a good time to start!