Therapy is one of those topics I feel deserves proper attention, so I plan to write more about it in the future. But for now, I want to share my personal experience, which has been a bit of a journey in itself.
The first time I saw a therapist was a few years ago. At the time, I was dealing with anxiety, though it wasn’t as severe as it would later become. Maybe that’s why I didn’t take it as seriously as I should have. Overall, I just didn’t find it particularly helpful. The conversations with my therapist were decent enough, but they focused more on understanding why I was feeling a certain way rather than helping me figure out what to do about it. It felt a bit like the stereotypical image you see in movies—lying on a sofa and talking about childhood experiences. While I’m sure that approach works for many people, it just wasn’t for me.
So, when I faced my latest anxiety crisis, I was understandably skeptical about trying therapy again. I looked through a list of therapists covered by my insurance, and honestly, the overwhelming descriptions of different approaches didn’t help. In the end, I chose someone who had written just a few simple lines about his focus: solving the issues now rather than digging into the past. And honestly? It was exactly what I needed.
The Right Approach
The method my therapist used, commonly known as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), focuses on guiding your thoughts rather than diving deep into understanding them. From the first session, I knew this was different. We clicked immediately—I felt comfortable and at ease. He was very matter-of-fact and wouldn’t let me dwell in self-pity. Instead, he’d challenge my catastrophizing with simple, direct questions:
- “What if you faint? So what?”
- “What if you embarrass yourself? So what?”
It might sound blunt, but for me, it was exactly what I needed. It stopped me in my tracks and forced me to see how much I was building up scenarios in my head that didn’t actually need to be as big as I was making them.
It’s Not Instant
Let me be clear: therapy wasn’t an instant success. It took time, effort, and, as my therapist reminded me several times, the real work happens between sessions. He gave me the tools, but it was up to me to practice them and implement them in my daily life. Slowly but surely, it made a difference.
Choosing a Therapist
If you’re thinking about trying therapy, I truly believe it can be an invaluable resource. But don’t be afraid to be picky about who you choose. It’s important to find someone whose approach aligns with what you’re looking for and who makes you feel comfortable. You need to feel like you’re on the same page, and it’s okay to take your time to find the right fit.