How do I know I need therapy from a Psychologist in Melbourne?
Some may believe that in order to seek support and therapy, one needs to feel as though something is quite wrong. This is not true. Between work, relationships, personal expectations, and life changes, many of us have different lived experiences that can be overwhelming, exciting, or difficult to navigate. Everyone’s personal experiences, whether life-altering or not, are valid reasons to seek guidance, support, or advice from a psychologist. Indeed, there is no single ‘correct’ time to start therapy. Seeking support from a psychologist isn’t only for times of crisis, it’s also a space for personal growth, clarity, and self-care.
If you are considering starting therapy but are unsure whether it’s the right time for you, here are some signs that may help you decide.
1. Your emotions feel very big or overwhelming
If you feel yourself being overcome with emotions such as sadness, stress, anger, anxiety, or even feeling emotionally ‘numb’, therapy can help you identify and manage those feelings. If you feel everything in an intense manner or feel ‘numb’ when reacting to emotionally-evoking situations, these can be signs that something deeper is happening and you may need to seek professional guidance from a psychologist.
2. Stress is affecting your daily life
Stress becomes a problem when it begins interfering with your ability to function daily. Stress can be exacerbated from being constantly exhausted, easily irritated, unable to focus, or having difficulty sleeping. When stress transitions from a temporary state to an overwhelming feeling, seeking psychological support can make a significant difference to your daily functioning.
3. Your usual coping strategies aren’t working
Everyone has their ways of coping with life, e.g., talking to friends, exercising, meditation, etc. If you are noticing that your usual coping strategies aren’t helping you reduce stress or manage your emotions, and you are creating unhelpful patterns (e.g., overspending, overeating, withdrawing, substance use), this may be a good time for you to explore healthier tools with a psychologist.
4. You’ve been through something difficult
Life events such as grief, trauma, illness, breakups, burnout, or family conflict can have lasting-emotional influence. Seeking therapy can provide you with a safe space to explore your emotions and process these experiences. You don’t need to go through tough times alone.
5. Behavioural and function changes
Rather than experiencing emotions, sometimes our bodies exhibit signs in different ways. Changes in your sleeping habits (i.e., sleeping for more or less than usual), eating habits, social withdrawal, or performance at work/school, are all signs you should monitor. If you are experiencing any of these behavioural/functional changes, it may be a sign to seek professional support.
6. You want to improve yourself
As mentioned earlier, therapy isn’t just for people who feel something is wrong. It is just as valid and significant to seek therapy when you want to build your self-awareness, improve coping skills, better understand your emotions, or work towards goals. A psychologist can aid in your personal growth and provide you with a safe environment to explore how to do so.
Starting therapy is one of the most courageous acts of self-care, self-respect and awareness. Whether you are navigating emotions or simply wanting to better understand yourself, a psychologist can help you in building resilience and promoting self-care. If you are wondering whether therapy is the correct next-step for you, please speak to one of our Client Support Team members for more information on seeking support.