Ask the Therapist: Talking about the Value of Therapy

The therapists at Mindsoother sat down for interviews to talk about the benefits of therapy, what their job is like, offer insider advice, and answer questions that you may have about therapy. This is the first of a multi-part series based on the interviews, giving you an inside look at what therapy is like for the client and for the therapist. The therapists started by answering questions about the value of therapy, including individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy. Read all about therapy from the experts themselves…

Question: What’s the benefit of therapy?

Tessa: “Therapy is unique from any other experience because it’s a neutral place to express yourself without fear of judgment. You can explore the things in life that are going well, or things that you wish were different, and receive guidance on how to approach certain situations.”

Danna: “It’s very beneficial having a nonjudgmental, impartial person to bounce ideas and situations off of. The relationship you develop with your therapist is different from any other relationship in your life. Therapists are trained to listen to you and guide you in a mindful way.”

Brittany: “Everyone could benefit from talking to someone outside of their inner circle. Getting advice and support from people close to us can get messy because they have bias and personal investment in situations. The therapist doesn’t have a connection, and wants to help you find the truly best solution.”

Question: Who gets the best results from therapy?

Kendra: “People who are open-minded and motivated get the best results from therapy. People have to be willing to put in the work—both during the therapy session and outside of the office. Clients should be active, putting the techniques to practice outside of therapy as well. People who really want to change are more likely to make that change happen.”

Dana K.: “People get the best results from therapy when they are open to honest feedback. They can’t be close-minded or stuck in their ways. The therapist’s job is to be honest, and tell the client things that may be tough, but that will help the person in the long run. Those who are self-motivated also find the most success from therapy. People can’t be too guarded; they should feel comfortable to open up and they should want to make a change.”

Danna: “People who are open minded and who are willing to learn about themselves. Some aspects of therapy include discovering more about yourself and finding ways to improve. People shouldn’t buy into the stigma that therapy is only necessary for those who are mentally ill or that it’s only necessary for a select few. Those who put stigmas aside and come in with an open mind and an open attitude benefit the most.”

It’s clear to see that therapy is a great opportunity for anyone to learn, grow, and make a change in his or her life. Therapy provides clients with a unique environment where they don’t have to worry about being judged or receiving biased advice. By going into therapy with an open mind and a positive attitude, change can gradually occur.