Professional Perspective

Like a seed that turns into a flower, you are capable of developing into a fuller version of yourself. Instead of getting exhausted by uncontrollable parts of life, you can choose where to put your energy. You will be making these changes, not your therapist. After all, you are the expert, and your therapist is simply a witness, guide, and confidant.

No person is an island. Your emotional wellbeing and personal goals are affected by your relationships, maybe even more than you realize.

But it’s not just about the people or environments around you. The longest relationship you’ll ever have is your relationship with yourself. You might as well invest time and attention into that connection, too.

To start talk therapy, you don’t need a referral from a primary care physician (PCP), school counselor, or psychiatrist. You also don’t need a therapist from a random telehealth e-commerce website. But you do need a clinician that you click with.

Your clinician (a.k.a. therapist) has an important role to fulfill. Remember: you’re inviting this professional to join you on a deeply personal journey. So, don’t start talk therapy with just anyone. Do it with someone who’s a good match for you, your questions, and your life goals.

The best therapists equip you with mental health tools while steering clear of the idea that you must “fix” yourself. Ideally, your therapist will share not just one but multiple ways to develop healthy coping habits.

As a human, the way you respond to challenges (or a total existential crisis) may not always be productive. The coping habits you’ve developed are valid, but they can also interrupt the momentum needed for personal growth.

Self-expression and self-exploration give you clear opportunities to change these coping habits, especially when done in a talk therapy setting.