What is Therapy, Anyway?
What is therapy? Seems like a ridiculous question. It’s where you sit on a couch (or in a video chat) and talk… Right?
Most of us probably presume to understand what therapy is. That could be because of personal experience, or what is seen in pop culture. But therapy does not stop at the door (or when you shut your computer). So, what is therapy really? When is the right time to start? What’s the best way to engage? What type of therapy will work best for me? Do you really need therapy?
TL;DR: Therapy is a space to engage with self reflection. And if you’re here reading, the time is probably now.
We’re ready. Are you? Start here with one quick email.
Therapy is not exclusive. You don’t have a qualifying event.
Therapy is often thought of as a place for “big” traumas. “Other” people. But, who is qualifying those traumas? Who are those other people? It’s you. And you. And us, too.
Therapy is here because we are all seeking to be more aware of the life we are living. At the root of it, we want to live our most authentic and prosperous lives. What is standing in the way of that? What behaviors have you built over years of living that are stopping you from getting there? Therapy – in all its formats – is your way to get there.
Therapy is work, and you need to be ready for it.
The old adage “nothing changes if nothing changes” comes to mind when we say that therapy is work. It’s true. If you aren’t able to come to the conversation with an open mind, consideration of different points of view, and the fortitude to implement some of the offered changes to see how it alters your relationships and circumstances? Then you aren’t putting in the work, and you may not be ready.
Think about it: You don’t go to the gym and expect a result without moving your body. Therapy is similar. It requires participation, collaboration, and meaningful insight that we help you uncover.
When is the right time to start? (Spoiler alert, it’s probably now.)
Ask yourself these questions:
Do you have a motivating purpose for change in your life?
Are you curious about therapy?
Have you experienced a big change or changes in your life?
Are you noticing something feels off or wrong?
Do you have a gut feeling that therapy is right for you?
The truth of therapy is that it may feel worse before it gets better. Exploring your life with a therapist as your navigator holds the possibility of popping a “bubble” around your life experience that allows you to see things from a fresh perspective, and that can feel uncomfortable.
But here’s the truth: NO ONE deserves to experience their life with anything less than fulfillment. There is so much healing that is offered when you can put language to your experience. It validates what you’ve been through. And at Brave Grand Rapids, that’s why we are here to cheer you on for showing up for yourself.
Alright, so what have we learned?
Repeat after us:
Therapy is not exclusive. I belong.
Therapy is work. I have the tools.
Time is mine to own. I’m ready.
We’ll be seeing you. #BraveTherapyIs
