The Toolbox at LisaKiftTherapy.com

Are you pondering the possibility of professional help for your mental health concern? To be clear, when I say “mental health” I’m referring to a myriad of possible problems people have including struggles with depression, anxiety, stress, anger and the like – including issues around blocks to personal growth and awareness. Clearly, “mental health” problems include more severe disturbances as well but the previous mentioned areas are the ones I’m most familiar with in my therapy practice – and are the topics I tend to write the most about.

Here are some of my thoughts on when people might want to consider outside assistance from a therapist/psychotherapist/counselor type person.

1) How long have you been in distress individually or in your relationship?

If some time has passed and things don’t seem to be improving, this might be a good time to check it out.

2) Have you tried to make changes on your own via different alternative self-help methods and still can’t seem to get the improvement you want?

I’m all about self improvement in whatever way works for people. I don’t care if you read books, meditate, go to church, spend time in a sweat lodge, hang out alone in a rustic cabin in the woods with your journal or spend time with a psychic. I think it’s important to validate people’s choices in the paths they have taken that have worked.

However, if you’ve tried other methods and you’re still feeling you’re not quite “there,” this might be a good time to consider a therapist familiar with your issue.

3) Have people close to you suggested therapy or counseling to you?

Sometimes we aren’t aware of how our behavior impacts others. If family or friends have suggested therapy or counseling might be helpful for you – is it possible they’re right?

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Lisa Brookes Kift is a psychotherapist in San Rafael, California.  See more therapy and counseling articles by Lisa in The Toolbox at LisaKiftTherapy.com: A Resource for Emotional and Relationship Health.

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