When should I seek therapy?

When is a good time to seek Therapy?

Therapy, once whispered about in hushed voices, is now far more mainstream and accepted. Many people openly share insights from their own sessions with friends and even on social media. But have you ever wondered if therapy might be right for you?

In my (admittedly biased) opinion, if you’re even thinking about therapy, it’s probably a good time. I truly believe almost everyone can benefit from therapy, as long as they’re willing to engage in the process. Let’s explore how to know if therapy might help you and how to find the right therapist.

Breaking the Stigma

Let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room: the outdated belief that being in therapy means something is “wrong” with you. Therapy is about healing, growth, and support, not shame.

Very few of us leave childhood, or life in general completely unscathed. The world is beautiful, but it can also be messy, overwhelming, and unpredictable. Therapy offers a safe space to explore challenges, develop skills, and navigate transitions with support.

Signs You Might Be Ready for Therapy

Here are some reasons you might consider reaching out for support:

• • Emotional changes: Feeling anxious, overwhelmed, sad, or “stuck” most days.
    
    
  • Behavioral changes: Changes in appetite, sleep, or difficulty managing daily tasks.
    
    
  • Relationship struggles: Challenges with communication, boundaries, or feeling disconnected.
    
    
  • Life transitions: Graduating, becoming a parent, marriage or divorce, relocation, or other big changes.
    
    
  • Physical symptoms of stress: Headaches, fatigue, tension, or other unexplained health issues. (always see your healthcare provider for these issues.)
    
    
  • Personal growth goals: A desire to improve relationships, self-awareness, or overall well-being.
    
    

Therapy vs. Talking to a Friend

Friends and family can be amazing supports, but they often come with their own biases and agendas, sometimes without realizing it. A therapist is trained to be neutral, objective, and skilled at helping you uncover patterns, process emotions, and make meaningful changes. 

The Courage to Seek Help

Many people spend months or even years considering therapy before taking that first step. That’s completely normal. You don’t have to be in a crisis to start therapy; it’s also for prevention and personal development.

How to Find a Therapist

Start with tools like PsychologyToday.com to search for therapists by location, specialty, and insurance coverage. Consider practical factors:

• Insurance vs. private pay
  
  
• In-person vs. telehealth
  
  
• Scheduling and availability
  
  

Telehealth is a great option for convenience or if local resources are limited.

Finding the Right Fit

Think about what you’re looking for in therapy:

• Do you want trauma-informed care?
  
  
• Are you looking for someone who’s LGBTQIA+ affirming?
  
  
• Would you prefer a certain style or therapeutic approach?
  
  

Most therapists offer a free 15-minute consultation call—a great time to ask questions like:

• “What modalities do you use?”
  
  
• “How do you typically work with clients who have my concerns?”
  
  
• “What does a typical session look like?”
  
  

Take notes and trust your instincts. Finding the right therapist is a lot like dating: it’s all about the right fit.

A Final Encouragement

Seeking therapy is an act of courage and self-respect. The process of finding a therapist can feel overwhelming, but it’s worth it. You deserve support, healing, and space to grow.

If you’d like to schedule a free consultation to see if working together feels right, I’d be honored to talk with you.