How to Decide if You Should Go to Therapy

Have you ever wondered if it’s time to start individual therapy?

Deciding whether it’s the right time to start individual therapy can be an overwhelming decision. 

Even when struggling with something, it’s common for people to feel like their problem isn’t serious enough to require therapy. Many people also wonder if talking about their problems can actually make them feel better. 

The truth is, therapy can be a powerful tool for healing, growth, and self-discovery, no matter where you are on your mental health journey. Deciding if it’s time to start individual therapy is a personal decision that can bring up a lot of feelings. Here’s what you should know. 

Stigma prevents many people from considering individual therapy

Unfortunately, mental health struggles are often stigmatized, leading many to hesitate before seeking help. You might have grown up hearing that “you should just tough it out” or that asking for help is a sign of weakness. Remember that seeking therapy is a sign of strength—it shows that you care about yourself and your well-being enough to reach out for support.

If you're considering therapy but aren’t sure if it’s the right time, here are a few signs it might be beneficial and what you can expect from starting the process.

You don’t feel like yourself

It can be jarring to realize you don’t feel like yourself, or you don’t recognize who you’ve become. If you often feel numb or disconnected from the present moment, you might have a hard time connecting with your full self. Sometimes this is due to mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, or even trauma. Therapy can help you understand yourself as you are now, and give you a safe space to become comfortable with yourself again. 

Your emotions overwhelm you frequently 

Everyone experiences emotions like sadness, anger, or anxiety from time to time, but if these feelings are becoming more intense, harder to manage, or last longer than usual, therapy can offer relief. Maybe you find yourself crying often or feeling on edge without a clear reason. You might even feel numb, disconnected from your emotions altogether. Therapy can help you unpack what’s behind these feelings and give you tools to navigate them in a healthy way.

Your mental health is impacting your daily life

A major sign that it’s time for therapy is that your mental health is having an impact on your day to day life. If you’re having trouble doing the things you normally do, like going to work or school, enjoying the things you care about, and maintaining your relationships, therapy can help. Struggles like chronic stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming, but therapy provides a safe space to explore and address the root of these issues.

You’re struggling in your relationships with others

If you’re having a hard time in your relationships with others, whether that’s with a romantic partner, with friends or family, coworkers or neighbors, it can be a sign that therapy may help. Being in relationships with other people, in all of their complexity, is difficult at times. It’s normal to have issues in relationships with others from time to time. If you feel like you’re struggling with relationships more than usual, working with a therapist to understand and change your relational patterns might be a good idea.  

Your coping skills aren’t cutting it

We all have coping skills that we use to get through tough times. Sometimes, though, those coping skills aren’t making enough of a difference to help. When you’re using all of the coping skills that you know and still aren’t feeling better, it can be a sign that it’s time for therapy, so you can learn some new ones that better serve you where you are now. 

You’re going through a life transition

Life transitions are often accompanied by emotional distress. Major life events like trauma, the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, a job change, or moving to a new place can stir up intense feelings and reactions. Even positive changes, like starting a new job or becoming a parent, can bring new challenges and stress. Therapy offers support during transitions and helps you process your feelings in a healthy way. Different therapy modalities can help with different concerns, so whatever you're going through, there’s a type of therapy that can help. 

Your sleeping or eating habits have changed

When your sleep is impacted or disrupted, it’s a huge clue that something is off. The same goes for eating habits. Tuning into these patterns and noticing when they change can help you determine that it’s time to call in extra help. 

You don’t like the patterns you’re stuck in 

Whether it's repeatedly falling into the same kinds of relationships, struggling with perfectionism, or facing cycles of procrastination and guilt, it’s common to get stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. Therapy can help you identify and shift these behaviors, guiding you toward healthier choices and more fulfilling outcomes.

You feel distant from the people you care about 

It’s possible to feel isolated even when surrounded by people who care about you. Maybe you feel misunderstood, or like you can’t share your true feelings with those around you. Therapy offers a judgment-free space where you can express yourself freely, without fear of burdening others.

There are also more considerations than just feeling emotionally ready to start therapy.

Starting therapy can also be a matter of finances, scheduling, and access. Sometimes it’s hard to find a therapist who is a good fit, who takes your insurance or whose fee you can afford, and who is licensed to practice in your area. Deciding whether to go to therapy should also include the practical considerations of how you’ll get there and how you’ll pay for it, especially if money is already tight. 

Whether you’re struggling with a specific issue or simply want a space to explore your thoughts and emotions, therapy can be a transformative tool for personal growth and healing. Our therapists at Anchor Counseling New York are accepting new clients - schedule an appointment today to get started.