Pros and Cons of Therapy: Should You Go?
Considering going to therapy? It’s completely understandable that you'd rather weigh the pros and cons before making your final decision. Under the right circumstances, therapy can be a potent tool for improving mental health, strengthening relationships, and developing better communication skills. But you should know that it isn't without potential drawbacks. Ultimately, it’s you who’d be going to therapy and you who should carefully consider the pros and cons (i.e. benefits and downsides) to make an informed decision if therapy is right for you at this time.
Pros of Therapy
As a licensed mental health therapist the past 7+ years, I’ve seen the benefits of therapy first-hand. By working together over time, my clients have gained clarity and a deeper understanding of themselves. Here are some of the main pros of therapy:
Emotional and Psychological Benefits
Regular therapy can help you gain a better understanding of your emotions, thought patterns, personal history, outside influences, and self-awareness. By exploring your feelings and past experiences with a licensed therapist, you can learn tools to better manage your emotions and responses Over time, this can lead to greater emotional stability, improved mood, and reduced anxiety and stress.
If you’re considering therapy to address a specific mental health issue like OCD, severe anxiety, trauma, PTSD, or depression, then regularly seeing a therapist can be worthwhile. You don’t have to suffer alone and please know it’s not a weakness to ask for help.
Improvement in Relationships
Oftentimes, therapy can help improve both your personal and professional relationships with others. By practicing better communication skills, increasing empathy, and gaining insight into your own behaviors and patterns, you’ll likely develop stronger, healthier relationships that’ll improve your overall well-being. The more you know yourself, the better you’ll be able to engage with others in a positive, healthy way. A former client shared this feedback with me at the conclusion of our work together: “Working with you has helped me to feel more comfortable in being my authentic self. This change has impacted so many parts of life but most noticeable with my family. It has gotten so much easier to share my feelings with them.” Overall, therapy can definitely lead to deeper trust and connection with others.
Better Coping Mechanisms
With a good therapist, you can learn new coping mechanisms for dealing with difficult situations that can cause unwanted reactions. Talk therapy allows you to discuss things back-and-forth to get helpful feedback, advice, and guidance about how you’re implementing changes. By learning techniques to manage stress, anxiety, and other challenges with the help of a therapist, you can develop greater resilience and adaptability over time. This helps you navigate life's ups and downs with greater ease, happiness, and confidence.
Reliable Guidance
Working with the right therapist for your needs can make a world of difference. They’ll have experience with what you’re struggling with, won’t judge you, and empower you to leave therapy after meaningful self-growth. If you feel like you can’t talk openly about personal issues with the people in your everyday life, then talking to a therapist might be what you need. Because your relationship with a therapist is strictly professional, there are no conflicts of interest that other relationships may present. As a therapist, I think a major part of my role is to hold a mirror up for you to share your experience and receive feedback that helps you gain awareness of your thoughts and behaviors.
Cons of Therapy
While therapy can be incredibly helpful for many people, there are also some potential downsides to consider before starting.
Emotional Discomfort
A potential downside to therapy is the emotional discomfort that can arise from discussing difficult or painful experiences. Sometimes your therapist may prompt you to dive deeper into emotions or memories, which may cause an unwanted reaction. While therapy can be a safe and supportive space to explore these issues, it can also be challenging and emotionally taxing. It's very important to be prepared for the possibility of feeling vulnerable or uncomfortable during therapy sessions. As a therapist who cares about her clients, I’d recommend creating a plan for how to take care of yourself right after sessions. That plan could include a class at the gym, going for a walk, journaling, or something else that’d work for you.
Risk of Ineffective Therapy
Just like with all things, there is a chance that therapy may not be effective for you. While therapy has been shown to help millions of people for many decades, there are also cases where therapy hasn’t led to significant improvements in mental health. It's important to be realistic about the potential limitations of therapy, and to have open and honest communication with your therapist about your progress and goals. If you share your experience, your therapist can make changes to your treatment plan or suggest alternative treatments. It is important to note that therapeutic change is not a one size fits all approach and every person has a unique lived experience.
A Potentially Bad Therapist
Unfortunately, and as a therapist myself it pains me to say this, bad therapists do exist. And it can be incredibly difficult to tell the difference at first glance or even a few sessions into treatment. It’s important that the therapist you are seeing is adequately licensed in your state. Some therapists offer free consultations that allow you to meet them before deciding to work together, which can be helpful in the decision making process. You can also read reviews and client testimonials to gather more information. If over time it feels that your therapist fails to listen to you, makes quick judgements, talks more than you do, or doesn't provide rationale for why they’re recommending specific interventions, you might want to evaluate the therapist-client relationship. You can always pause the relationship and consult a different therapist. Never forget: what’s most important is your well-being.
Time and Financial Commitment
A potential con of therapy is the time and financial commitment that is involved. Therapy sessions can range anywhere from $65 to $500 and may or may not be covered by your health insurance plan. Before researching therapists, it’s a good idea to understand if therapy is covered by your insurance, or how much a copay would be, or if it’d be totally out-of-pocket. Knowing this information will help you narrow down potential therapists that meet your specific needs. Additionally, therapy sessions typically last between 45 and 60 minutes, and you may need to attend sessions weekly or every 2 weeks for several months or even years. While therapy can be a good idea, it’s important to not put yourself into financial debt or resent going to sessions because they’re too often.
If you’re a resident of California or Florida and are looking for an online therapist who genuinely cares, contact me or consider booking a free, no-commitment consultation call with me, Laura Jasen, LPCC, LMHC here at Sage & Sunshine Therapy!
Understanding Exactly What Therapy Is
While you’ve read the main pros and cons of therapy, it’s crucial to fully understand exactly what therapy is so that you have all of the facts before making your final decision. In essence, therapy is a type of treatment that helps individuals engage and navigate their emotional, psychological, and behavioral issues. It involves talking to a trained professional who can help you identify and work through various problems in your life. Usually, if in-person, your therapist will sit opposite you. If online, your therapist will host their sessions on Zoom, Google Meet, or another HIPPA compliant video conferencing platform. Sessions typically last 45 to 60 minutes.
Definition of Therapy
Therapy is a collaborative process between a client and a therapist. The therapist provides a safe and supportive environment where the client can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The goal of therapy is to help the client develop new coping skills and strategies to improve their well-being and mental health for the long-term.
Depending on the client's needs, therapy can be short or long-term. Short-term therapy usually lasts between 6 to 12 sessions, while long-term therapy can last for several months or even years. It’s up to you and your therapist to decide how long you should go to therapy. The more intense your issue is, the more likely it is that a longer-term therapy might be beneficial.
Types of Therapy
There are many different approaches to therapy, each with its own strategies and techniques. Some common types of therapy include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This type of therapy focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Psychodynamic Therapy: This type of therapy focuses on exploring unconscious thoughts and feelings to gain insight into behavior.
Humanistic Therapy: This type of therapy focuses on self-exploration and personal growth.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR): This type of therapy involves moving your eyes a specific way while you process traumatic memories. EMDR's goal is to help you heal from trauma or other distressing life experiences, including complex trauma.
Narrative Therapy: This type of therapy is a form of counseling that helps people view themselves as separate from their problems and unwanted behaviors.
There are many other types of therapy that exist, so I’d recommend finding a therapist who can share the modality they practice and determine if this modality would be an appropriate approach to treatment.
Therapy vs Medication
When it comes to treating mental health issues, therapy and medication are two of the most common options available. Both have their own pros and cons, and the choice between the two depends on several factors, such as the type and severity of your condition, personal preferences, and medical history.
Effectiveness
The effectiveness of therapy and medication varies depending on the condition being treated. For example, medication is generally more effective for treating extremely severe symptoms of depression and anxiety, while therapy can be more effective for treating long-term issues such as trauma and relationship issues. However, it's worth noting that both therapy and medication can be effective for many different conditions, and a combination of the two may be the best option for some individuals.
Side Effects
Both therapy and medication can have side effects, but the types and severity of these side effects can vary greatly. Medication can cause physical side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and weight gain, and may also have long-term effects on the body. Therapy, on the other hand, is generally considered to have fewer physical side effects, but may be emotionally challenging for some individuals.
It's important to note that the side effects of medication and therapy are not always negative. For example, medication may have positive side effects such as improving sleep or reducing the frequency of panic attacks, while therapy can help individuals develop new coping skills and improve their overall quality of life.
The choice between therapy and medication depends on several factors, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It's critical to work with a trained mental health professional to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs. For some individuals combining therapy and medication provides the most effective method of treatment.
Online vs In-Person Therapy
When it comes to mental health therapy, there are two main options to choose from: online therapy and in-person therapy. Both options have their pros and cons, and the best choice for you will depend on your personal preferences and circumstances.
Accessibility
One of the biggest pros of online therapy is its accessibility. With online therapy, you can connect with a therapist from anywhere, as long as you have a reliable internet connection. This way, you’re not limited to only choosing a therapist who lives locally. It opens a lot of doors to finding the best possible therapist for your needs and goals. This can also be especially beneficial for individuals who live in rural areas or have mobility issues that make it difficult to travel to a therapist's office.
Online therapy can also be much more flexible than in-person therapy. You may be able to schedule sessions outside of traditional business hours, which can be helpful if you have a busy schedule or work irregular hours.
Comfort and Privacy
Online therapy can also provide a higher level of comfort and privacy. You can participate in therapy sessions from the comfort of your own home, which can be especially helpful if you have social anxiety or feel uncomfortable in new environments.
There’s also a greater level of privacy. You don't have to worry about running into someone you know in the waiting room or feeling self-conscious about being seen entering or leaving a therapist's office.
However, it's important to note that online therapy may not be the best option for everyone. Some individuals may prefer the in-person connection that comes with traditional therapy. In addition, online therapy may not be suitable for individuals with severe mental health issues or those who require more intensive treatment.
I’d recommend considering the pros and cons of each option and choosing the one that feels most comfortable, doable, and effective for you.
Alternative Therapeutic Approaches
If traditional talk therapy doesn’t sound appealing to you, there are alternative therapeutic approaches that may be worth exploring. Alternative therapies can be used alone or alongside talk therapy for better efficacy. Here are two alternative therapeutic approaches that have gained popularity in recent years:
Art Therapy
Art therapy is a form of therapy that uses creative expression to help individuals explore their emotions, process difficulties, and improve their mental health. It can be especially helpful for those who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally, such as non-verbal autistic individuals. Art therapy can involve various forms of art, such as painting, drawing, clay sculpting, or collage-making. The goal is not to create a masterpiece, but rather to use the creative process to gain introspective insight and promote healing.
Art therapy has been scientifically shown to be effective for a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and eating disorders. It can also be helpful for those dealing with grief, trauma, or chronic pain. Art therapy can be done individually or in a group setting.
Animal-Assisted Therapy
Animal-assisted therapy of course involves the use of animals, typically dogs or horses, to help individuals through difficult circumstances. Animals can provide comfort, reduce stress, and improve your mood. Animal-assisted therapy can be especially helpful for those who struggle with social anxiety or have difficulty connecting with other people.
Animal-assisted therapy can be used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. It can also be helpful for those dealing with addiction or chronic pain. Animal-assisted therapy can be done individually or in a group setting.
It's important to note that not all alternative therapies are backed by scientific evidence. It's important to do thorough research and talk to a licensed mental health professional before trying any new therapy. While alternative therapies can be helpful for some individuals, they typically aren’t a substitute for traditional therapy or medication. Please note, this blog post isn’t medical advice.
Written by: Laura Jasen, LMHC, LPCC
