The minute we decide to talk to someone about a problem, we are already doing something about it. We are beginning to take positive control over whatever it is that is troubling us. This is extremely beneficial and often paves the way for the beginning of the ending of the problem in its current state.
Once we start to talk about the problem its power somehow shrinks. Even hearing ourselves speaking about it can provide new and useful insights which help to reduce the negative impact of the problem.
However, it can be a very difficult first step for many of us to reach out for support with our problems, particularly if we’ve been used to thinking that we must always be in control of things on our own. In fact, it can be considered an act of great courage to reach out for support when we have a problem, particularly when it`s not something we’re not familiar with doing.
Family and friends are often the first people we confide in when we have a problem and they can often provide us with invaluable support. However, sometimes this is not possible, for a variety of reasons. We really do not need to feel alone when this is the case, as professionally trained therapists have a lot to offer in terms of problem-solving skills. In addition, there are often many positive community-based mental health initiatives.
It has to be acknowledged that previously there was a stigma associated with support-seeking. Thankfully it appears that this is changing rapidly all over the world and has already completely changed in many places whereby it is now viewed as part of positive self-care and responsibility-taking, instead of something to be feared.
Sometimes a new perspective is all it takes to solve a problem. Qualified therapists are trained non-judgmental listeners and their skills equip them to view problems from a variety of perspectives, which may not have previously been considered. They are trained to understand the human condition very well.
Therapists’ insight, aided by their personal distance from the problem can provide novel solutions to tackle even what appear to be the most entrenched issues. Talking through issues and problems with a therapist usually provides us with a sense of relief and enlightenment and definitely can form part of positive self-care to move forward in our lives feeling less troubled.
Written by
Dr. Anita Corfe
CPsychol., DCPsych., BSc.(Hons)
Reg. Psychol. PsSI., AFBPSs., EAP.
Counselling Psychologist & Integrative Psychotherapist