Why Therapy?
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Everyone has problems and issues that worry them, to varying degrees. You can just leave these issues alone, you can try and address them yourself, or you can ask for help from a professional. There is nothing strange about wanting help to understand your problems, and change is extremely healthy. Have you ever unburdened your problems on a stranger? Therapy is a little like that, only with a stranger who is qualified to help. The methods used in therapy can enhance your emotional and social skills, and leave you happier with your work, life and relationships. With your therapist you can be free to express private thoughts and struggles without fear of being laughed at or misunderstood. Although talking to your friends and family can provide fantastic support, a therapist is trained to provide a more impartial and challenging perspective on your life. It can be hard to measure the effectiveness of any particular therapy; unlike treatment for a disease the process does not always provide a full ‘cure’. And therapy is not just a one-way street; both therapist and client are working toward the same goal. With therapy you choose your goal and find the person you want to work with to achieve it (see our section on What is right for me for more information on choosing a therapist). Therapy can be used to deal with problems as seemingly insignificant as stress reduction, increasing motivation, stopping smoking right through to trauma, drug addiction and mental health disorders. It draws on the power of your mind to change its own processes and so enhance life, without the need for medication. The key to a successful course of therapy is in the relationship between client and therapist. Once you have found the right therapy and the right therapist you may find it just the life-changing experience you’re looking for. Common reasons for seeking therapeutic help Most of us can benefit from using some form of therapy, even if we are seemingly well-adjusted and high-achieving. We all seek change, and asking for help with your issues is neither weak nor selfish. You may seek therapy for a number of common issues, including:
The important thing to remember is that you are not alone and millions of people have the same issues as you; the difference is that you are doing something about it. You want to change – and that is the first step in a successful course of therapy. Making use of the power of your mind Success in all forms of therapy and counselling springs from the relationship between client and trained professional therapist. The job of the therapist starts with helping their client to identify the specific issues that are troubling them, and moves on to explore techniques for resolving them in a confidential and safe environment. The dialogue between you and your therapist helps you explore how the ways you think and feel lead to behaviours that affect your life and your relationships. And once you have started on a program of therapy you might find yourself astonished at the power of your own mind to cure itself. Therapy can be just a way of giving you the keys you need to unlock your potential. Therapy can help you achieve your goals The more awareness you have of your thoughts, feelings and behaviour, the easier it is to make the right decisions for yourself, avoid old patterns that have had a negative impact on your life and relationships, and communicate more effectively with others. Working through a course of therapy you can address a range of issues as you fine-tune your mental processes.
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Therapy can be empowering 
