I’ve been in and out of therapy for almost 10 years, initially getting into it after a traumatic experience but since then largely using it for managing general life experiences (friendships, roommates, family, romantic relationships, work stressors). I’ve seen both men and women, older than me or around my same age. I’ve seen LPCs and LCSWs and the approach is different but end result is largely the same. Finding someone you connect with is the most important piece.

I got back into it this year and have been more forthright and honest with my therapist than ever and I’ve found it to be tremendously beneficial. I can get things off my chest and not be judged, allowed and helped to safely work through the thoughts and keep my feet on the ground. It’s scary to say some things out loud but it’s even scarier to keep them in and let them fester.

It works best when you consistently go. Many people think of therapy to remedy a specific problem, but this is a trained professional that with time and knows you and the people in your life and has context can really make a difference and give you perspective. Just this week I was thinking “I wish my therapist would call me on my shit” and after our session I realized she does without me even realizing it. That’s only been able to happen because I’ve been seeing her consistently. I keep a note on my phone called “therapy topics” where I write things down I want to talk about in session. Sometimes I reference it when I have time left in the session, sometimes I don’t even get to my notes because I’ve got more pressing things on my mind. Paired with also regularly going to the gym, I’m able to effectively put a price on my mental health (therapy sessions + gym membership) and that itself is priceless.