When you think of therapy, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?
The education and awareness of mental health issues are improving, but there are still some people that are sceptical or judgemental of counselling.
Some consider seeking help from a therapist or counsellor but are put off or held back due to uncertainty or stigma. Indeed, social stigma is one of the primary reasons behind a lack of confidence in seeking help. Here are some of the factors that prevent many from attending counselling:
Lack of hope
Hopelessness is one of the primary reasons why people opt to avoid therapy. Some people get to a certain point where they believe that no one can help them. If you feel nervous or afraid, you are not alone. Therapists are trained to help you combat these overwhelming feelings of hopelessness.
Lack of trust
Most people find it difficult to open up to a stranger. People worry about getting their personal information out and in the open. How can you open up and share your personal details with someone you don’t know? Therapists take confidentiality incredibly seriously. They will treat anything that you share in your sessions with complete confidence.
Lack of awareness
Many don’t seek guidance from mental health professionals simply because they’re unaware of the benefits. It can be hard to motivate yourself to look up the benefits of therapy if you’re feeling overwhelmed or lacking energy or motivation. To find out more about the benefits, read through our blog.
Feelings of shame
In the past, therapy has been wrongly labelled as something people should feel ashamed of. As many now know, mental illness is no reflection on the person, in much the same way as any other physical illness. Therapists are there to help you fight any mental health battles you may be struggling with. Our mental health is as important as our physical health, and we should treat it as such. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues are common and nothing to feel ashamed of.
How can you overcome the stigma surrounding counselling or visiting a professional therapist?
Some of the important ways to handle this challenge include:
1. Â Talk about it
One of the most effective ways to handle this social stigma is to talk about it. Sharing problems with others is a great way to change how the world sees therapy and mental health, and a great way to lessen the stress you may be feeling. This makes it easier to consider seeking counselling.
2. Â Learn more about it
Gathering information is another effective way to handle this problem. The internet is full of information, use it to your advantage. Do some research into why you should consider seeking help from a therapist. What are the long-term and short-term benefits for example?
3. Reassurance
Lastly, if someone you know has had a bad experience with a previous counsellor, reassure them that this won’t always be the case. In fact, encourage them to visit other professional counsellors. If you’re considering counselling, reach out to a therapist, or friends/family who will reassure you that this is a positive move.
If you have any questions or queries about counselling and therapy, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Call us on 01733 639 040 or book an appointment today.
