Seeing a therapist no longer holds the stigma that it once did. With Telehealth and modern technology, even the experience of therapy has completely shifted. Not only is it more accessible – modern therapy has less of the buttoned-up, “white coat” vibe that traditional therapy embodied.

Despite these shifts; however, there are still plenty of skeptics who cringe at the idea of going to therapy. If you’re one of them, read on.

You’re not alone if you’re wary of jumping onto the therapy wagon. If you strongly resist the idea of pouring your soul out to a professional stranger, it may be that throughout your life you picked up certain beliefs about the notion of seeking help. Family, friends, community, and culture influence the way in which we see and experience the world; thus, impacting our belief system.

When it comes to therapy, you may have picked up messages that therapy should only be reserved for those who reallllllly need help. Like serious trauma survivors or war veterans. The idea of seeing a therapist for managing relationship anxiety or the transition out of college may feel absurd. Your belief system might say, “these experiences are part of life” and “I should” be able to weather through these moments without support.

In essence, you may believe that therapy is an invalid pursuit so long as your life isn’t completely falling apart.

What if therapy meant something else?

Often beliefs about seeking help have deep generational roots in our families and communities, making them difficult to loosen. But, not impossible.

Here’s the deal. Therapy needn’t be reserved only for those going through catastrophic life events. Life is full of twists and turns – may it be in our romantic relationships, family dynamics, friendships, career pursuits, or in the ways we reenact dysfunctional patterns from unhealed wounds.

Therapy is a space where you can explore your inner world, increase self-awareness, and take charge of your healing. It’s a place for you to uncover your authentic self by peeling back the layers of limiting beliefs, injuries, and traumas. The therapeutic relationship offers an opportunity for you to learn what it means to be in a healthy relationship with others – where you can practice setting limits without facing the threat of rejection or abandonment. It’s a place where you can express emotions, thoughts, and beliefs without experiencing judgment. And instead, dive in with curiosity to uncover their true meaning. Therapy provides the chance to learn new tools and expand your skillset so that you can navigate life transitions. All the while knowing you have a safety net to catch you, and a toolbox to turn to when life gets messy.

Questions to Ask Yourself if You’re a Skeptic

If you’re someone whose a therapy skeptic, yet is curious about the process, start with asking yourself these questions:

What beliefs do I have around seeking help or support?

Where did I pick up these beliefs? Family members, friends, my community, media, etc?

How have these beliefs served or protected me?

Are these beliefs serving me now?

Is there a way to reframe or shift this belief?

By asking these questions, you may uncover some of the limiting beliefs you have towards seeking support, asking for help, or even acknowledging that you’re struggling. You might still feel hesitant or wary and that’s OK. In no way do you have to jump on board immediately – but it’s important to understand what beliefs are holding you back or preventing you from taking that first step.

Actually, I’ll take that back. You’ve already taken the first step by virtue of asking yourself these questions and having the willingness to investigate your belief system. Let it sink in, sit with it, and if the time ever feels right, know that there is a therapist out there who is right for you.