Why we could all use a therapist
In both good times and bad, seeing a therapist can lead to a happier, healthier life
Many of us think of therapy as something you do if you’re feeling down or on edge. Or if you’re mourning a loss.
Therapy is a powerful tool for treating depression, anxiety and grief. But it can boost your well-being in many other ways, too.
Here are some unexpected ways therapy may help you live a more balanced life.
1. It can help ease physical pain
Lots of things can cause pain, like injury, illness, aging — even stress. Pain medicines can help. But they don’t address the emotions or habits that may play a role. That’s where therapy can help.
A therapist can help you can cope better with chronic pain. One type of therapy is called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). It uses skills like muscle relaxation and guided imagery. This can help change how you think about pain, so you feel it less.
2. It can improve your relationships
We have all sorts of relationships — with our partner, children, parents and coworkers. Fights and rough patches are a normal part of all of them. Therapy can help you connect more fully with the people in your life. It can help you find ways to understand others’ emotions and talk better.
Get the most out of your benefits
3. It can help you manage health issues
Depression and anxiety are common in people with chronic conditions. And poor mental health can make it harder to manage your illness. Talking to a therapist can teach you skills for taking control of your health. A therapist can help you:
- Stay on track with treatment
- Stay away from unhealthy coping habits like smoking, alcohol or emotional eating
- Ask for help
- Focus on self-care
4. It can help you reach your goals
We all have dreams and goals — eating healthier, getting in better shape, finding a new job. If you’re feeling stuck, a therapist can help you break old patterns and habits that are holding you back. They can help you create a plan for going after your goals. And they can share tips for staying on tack. That’s something we all need.
Your health plan may cover a therapist or other behavioral health treatments. Check your member handbook or for more info.
Make the most of every session
Not sure what to do when you see a therapist? Here are a few ways to make the most of your time together.
Jot down your thoughts. Before your session, write down any problems or questions you have. Keep your notes handy in case you forget topics. You may also want to keep a therapy journal. You can use it to record:
- What you talked about in a session
- How it made you feel
- What you learned
- What you want to work on
Be open to being open. A therapist can’t read your mind. To get the help you’re looking for, say what’s on your mind. And be open to trying the advice and tools your therapist gives you.
Do your homework. Your therapist might give you homework, such as writing exercises or skills to practice. This is where you get to practice what you talked about during your session. Research suggests that people who do their therapy homework have better results.
Know the signs of substance use disorder
Addiction can happen to anyone — teens, young adults, even seniors. But signs can be hard to spot. Here are some common signs to watch for.
- Changes in hygiene habits or not caring about how they look
- Sleeping more or less than normal
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Hanging out with a different group of friends
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Missing classes, getting lower grades or losing interest in activities
- Unexplained money issues, or you notice money or items missing from your home
- Changes in health, like sudden weight loss or gain
Have you noticed some of these signs in a loved one? Try talking to them about the problem. Remember to talk to them with kindness and curiosity, not judgment.
See our sources
Study on depression and chronic illness: International Journal of Nursing Sciences
Study on therapy homework: Clinical Psychology
Signs of substance use disorder: American Addiction Centers
