There are many reasons to see a therapist that go beyond what friends, family, or self-help resources can offer. While having a strong support system is essential, working with a trained professional gives you dedicated space, expertise, and guidance to work through challenges in ways that are both safe and effective. From confidentiality to education, there are many reasons why therapy is such a valuable tool for improving mental health and overall well-being.
8 Reasons to See a Therapist
1. Objectivity. The therapist isn’t going to be taking sides with you or with someone else. Obviously, you’re the patient/client (this term changes from therapist to therapist), so their job is to help you, but there are no conflicting issues between being close to you and another person.
2. Education. The idea that you need to be educated to listen to someone may seem strange. But, whether we’re talking about understanding how to use empirically supported treatments (e.g., CBT) or how to make interpretations of patterns in your life, this is a skill that you don’t simply ‘pick up’ by being a good listener or friend. It takes years of education and practice.
3. Confidentiality. As long as you’re not talking about hurting yourself, someone else, or child abuse/elder abuse, everything you say in therapy is confidential. Your therapist can actually lose his/her license for breaking confidentiality. This point is really important, since you absolutely cannot guarantee confidentiality with a friend or family member.
4. Therapy is more than talking. Therapy is about developing the relationship and using the dynamics of that relationship to grow. A good therapist will be able to see and understand more than just the symptoms you’re expressing. They’ll help steer you in directions you may not have noticed. Often, the piece that’s really bothering us is much more important than the present issue.
5. Therapy involves a second person. A self-help book, for example, involves just yourself. This means that therapy involves having someone to bounce ideas off of, someone to help you find the gaps in your thinking, someone to validate your concerns or point out when something you’re saying/thinking doesn’t make sense.
6. Boundaries. You have to respect boundaries regarding what you say and how much time you take up when you’re with your family/friends. By the nature of the agreement, the therapist can step away from your problems without getting caught up; your family/friends may not be able to escape the talk of your problems, and this may cause a rift in your relationships.
7. Referrals. Your therapist can connect you with other professionals who may be able to support your overall well-being—for example, a psychiatrist who can prescribe medication or a nutritionist who can help you improve your physical health.
8. Guaranteed ‘you’ time. Best of all, therapy is a place you can go to get away from everything else and recharge. Therapy means an hour to talk about your issues in an entirely honest way without worrying about offending people you know or misunderstandings.
At the end of the day, the reasons to see a therapist highlight just how valuable professional support can be. Therapy isn’t meant to replace the support of friends or family—it’s meant to complement it. A therapist brings objectivity, training, and a safe, confidential space that can help you better understand yourself and navigate life’s challenges.
Whether you’re dealing with stress, relationship difficulties, or deeper emotional struggles, therapy provides a powerful opportunity for growth, healing, and personal clarity.
If you’re considering starting therapy, call us on 01 556 3335 or book a free 15-minute consultation with one of our team.
