Lydia Bell, MHC

It’s a moment where it seems like everyone is in therapy. Fictional characters on television, casual acquaintances, an old friend, your own child, or a parent. Maybe you’re starting to wonder if therapy is right for you. I believe it’s always a good time to start therapy (we can always learn something new about ourselves!). But here are some signs it could be a particularly good fit for you now:

You feel like something is missing.
Maybe things are going great on paper, but you find yourself wondering, is this all there is? Your day-to-day life doesn’t bring you a lot of joy or feel particularly engaging. This can be a great indicator that you’d benefit from some self-exploration.

You’re afraid of what it might bring up.
You wish you could just “start therapy,” but you know that it’s going to bring up some heavy stuff. You don’t want to feel emotionally overwhelmed or pressured into talking about painful things from your past. That makes sense! Therapists are trained to hold space for big feelings. Remember, you are in control. Only share as much as you want to share, no more. 

You’re about to take a big step.
Sometimes therapy can be preemptive. Maybe you’re about to start college, move in with a partner, or switch careers. You don’t know what these changes will bring but you have a sense that you could use a place to sort through it all. 

If you’re still unsure if it’s a good fit for you, I recommend trying a couple of sessions. Share your doubts and concerns with your therapist and be sure to ask for any particular support you might need. If it doesn’t feel like a good fit, consider trying one other therapist before calling it quits. It’s important to find a good match–someone you feel comfortable with and heard by. 

Ultimately, you know yourself best. Starting therapy for the first time is a big step, but it often begins with a small, persistent thought, “Maybe this is for me.” Consider this a sign to follow your own curiosity!