Why Go to Therapy?

^{In our fast-evolving society, individuals face increasing pressure to adapt. Alongside technological advancements, psychology has gained significant prominence. Due to the social isolation caused by these rapid changes and the pervasive influence of social media, psychotherapy appears to be a response to the need to address this state of fragmented mental health.}

"Everything has been figured out, except how to live." Jean-Paul Sartre

Table of Contents | Jump Ahead
 

Misunderstandings and Pop-Psychology

The Danger of Misinformation

The True Nature of Therapy

The Unconscious Mind and Daily Challenges

The Journey of Healing and Personal Growth

The Role of Friends and Family

Therapists as Facilitators of Healing

The Power Within and Carl Rogers' Philosophy
 

Changing Perceptions of Mental Health

^{This speedy change has also shifted perceptions of mental health, previously taboo, where seeking help was often seen as a weakness, and those in therapy were stigmatized as deeply troubled. This stigma sometimes leads to defensive reactions like:  "I'm not crazy!" .}

Misunderstandings and Pop-Psychology

^{However, these shifts have also fostered widespread misunderstandings. The rise of "pop-psychology"  has contributed to this confusion by simplifying and sometimes misinterpreting complex psychological concepts and tools, often removing them from their original context. If you're overwhelmed, know you're not alone in navigating these complexities. As mental health professionals, we are committed to untangling these misunderstandings and providing clarity in this ever-evolving landscape.}

The Danger of Misinformation

^{Unfortunately, there are many self-proclaimed "healers"  and so-called specialists who spread misinformation about psychotherapy. Terms like"toxic" people, "narcissistic abuse", and simplistic "5-step" solutions have become common, leading to widespread labelling and misunderstanding. This creates a false illusion of what therapy truly is and how it works.}

The True Nature of Therapy

^{Therapy is a nuanced and deeply personal process that can't be reduced to quick fixes or trendy labels. It unfolds within the privacy and safety of a supportive relationship with a mental health specialist. If you're feeling confused or conficted, it's perfectly understandable. It's natural to view psychotherapy as akin to medical treatment, where a thoughtful plan or prescription is tailored to support overall well-being. This emphasize the importance of nurturing and desiring healing .}

The Unconscious Mind and Daily Challenges

^{It might help to understand that trauma-related or even lighter challenges we encounter in our day-to-day lives often grow in the background of our unconscious mind, while we are busy living. Any discomfort caused by traumatic or non-traumatic events can slowly become an obstacle to our daily routines. To address and understand these issues, we must accept that it is a process and it takes time to untangle them.}

The Journey of Healing and Personal Growth

^{Healing and personal growth require patience and self-compassion. Recognizing and addressing these underlying issues is the first step toward overcoming them.}

The Role of Friends and Family

^{Friends are essential for support, though at times, they may also be the source of our pain. However, this is not about placing blame. Our parents, siblings, friends, and anyone we interact with, have their own wounds, and we all do our best with what we have. This is why therapists are needed—someone to help care for our wounds and create a safe space for healing and healthy growth. And this is why therapy is so vital for our survival.}

Therapists as Facilitators of Healing

^{Just as in physical healing, where a doctor creates the ideal environment for the body to heal itself, therapists provide the right conditions for emotional and psychological healing and growth. Ultimately, the power to heal resides within us.}

The Power Within and Carl Rogers' Philosophy

^{We have the power within ourselves to evolve and overcome challenges. Carl Rogers believed that every individual has an inherent drive to become a fully functioning and creative person, continuously striving to reach their potential. This drive is natural, ongoing, and deeply motivational, a concept he referred to as "the actualizing tendency" . Still, this is not a task for one person alone, no matter how much information and knowledge they possess. As my therapist once told me,  "If you were to be a cardiologist and needed heart surgery, would you perform it on yourself?" . So, I ask you the same.}

When to Seek Therapy

^{It's important to recognize that the right moment to seek therapy may be when you have exhausted all available support and still feel that things are not okay. It is a brave step to take towards yourself.}

The Courage to Seek Help

^{Seeking help is a courageous decision because it involves confronting personal challenges with vulnerability and self-awareness. Despite lingering societal stigma, choosing therapy demonstrates a commitment to personal well-being and a willingness to invest in emotional and psychological growth. It requires courage to acknowledge the need for support, confront uncomfortable emotions, challenge thought patterns, and actively work towards positive change. By taking this step, you demonstrate resilience and a proactive approach to addressing your mental health needs. All you need is a drop of courage, a big dose of trust in yourself, and the willingness to surrender to the process.}

^{Stay safe and nurture yourself.}

^{Much love and peace,}

^{Carmen Ifrim}

Carmen is a qualified Licensed Mental Health Counselor, based in Kifisia, Greece.

With a commitment to mental health, Ifrim provides services in English, Greek and Romanian, including Awareness, Climate Grief/Anxiety, Counselling (General), Counselling (Parent), Online Counselling / Phone Therapy, Psychoeducation and Stress Management.

Ifrim has expertise in Adjusting to Change/Life Transitions, Bereavement and Loss, Burnout, Divorce and/or Separation, Expat Living, Mental Health, Mood Swings / Mood Disturbance, Relationship Counselling, Self-Care and Young Adult Issues.

Click here to schedule a session with Ifrim.

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