When Eva was thinking about starting therapy, the first thing she thought to do was Google “therapy sf.”
The search results were spotty at best. Outside of an excellent article in the Bold Italic, Eva didn’t really know what to look for. Of course, she’d heard of terms like depression and anxiety, but she didn’t really know if they applied to her and, quite frankly, she wasn’t sure if she wanted to find out.
As a recent SF transplant, Eva was struggling to hold it all together. She’d made a few friends, but they felt more like happy hour acquaintances. She was doing alright at work – making way more money than her parents ever did – but as her responsibilities increased, so did her stress.
There was tons of stigma in her family around getting a therapist. Any difficulties folks had with balancing work and family were chalked up to laziness or being too sensitive and a hefty dose of “getting the sense knocked into you” was the preferred solution.
“I Need to See A Therapist…”
Eva’s story is not unique. I hear from so many people who know that something is off, but they are conflicted about actually taking the next step and declaring, “I need to see a therapist,” for fear of acknowledging that they really do need help.
In reality, you don’t have to be destitute, broken, curled up in the corner before you begin that ‘Therapy SF’ Google search. Though it feels scary at first, many people who do take the plunge see therapy as a way to invest in their self-growth, professional development and increase their emotional IQ – a preventative measure.
Therapy gives you an intentional place to focus on what you want out of life, notice what is keeping you from getting there and make appropriate changes to get you closer to your goals.
“Should I Go See A Therapist?”
If you find yourself asking, “Should I go see a therapist?” then the answer is quite possibly yes. Even if the question isn’t quite as blatant, there may be other signs that it’s a good time to explore getting a therapist:
- You’re nervous about speaking up at meetings and this is getting in the way of professional growth
- Snacks, booze or partying is your go-to activity when it’s time to de-stress
- You discover that people you thought of as friends are increasingly having get togethers… without you
- You have a constant critical voice in your head that leaves you feeling insecure
- You’re uncomfortable talking to others about how you feel because you don’t want to sound lame.
Therapy SF: Your Own Journey
Though you may feel worried about talking with a therapist, one of the most relieving parts of the entire process is that many therapists offer a free phone consultation where you can straight up ask about whether it’s a good time to see a therapist. A licensed therapist can talk you through the pros and cons of therapy, help you identify what areas of your particular life can be improved via therapy and help you consider whether it’s worth it at this time – pressure free.
If you’re on the fence, or find yourself wondering about therapy, a bit worried about your behavior or having questions about your personal or professional relationships, it’s a good time to reach out and schedule a consultation. Because really, at the end of the day, you have little to lose and everything to gain.
