Therapy can be an incredibly effective tool for both dealing with acute mental health issues and maintaining overall mental wellness. According to the 2020 NSDUH Annual National Report, nearly 20 percent of Americans are affected by mental illness, a number that could be much higher without therapeutic interventions.
Attending therapy can enhance your mood, provide you with strategies to tackle life’s challenges, and help you maintain these improvements long-term. But it’s essential to have realistic expectations and commit to regular sessions for it to be effective.
Therapy isn’t an instant fix. The American Psychological Association notes that about half of the people need between five to ten sessions to start seeing the benefits, although the exact number can vary widely from person to person. Some might notice immediate benefits, but others might need longer—sometimes even years—to see significant changes.
It’s crucial to understand that therapy is a gradual process that requires ongoing effort. It’s more like a journey in mental health recovery than a one-time cure. The best approach to therapy is to see it as an opportunity to develop skills and explore your inner self. It’s also important to ensure you maintain regular contact with your therapist without long breaks.
Building a strong relationship with your therapist is key. Therapy involves changing behavior patterns and applying new insights, which can’t happen overnight. Depending on your goals, you might need multiple sessions. Therapists use specialized software to manage their practice, which helps keep track of your progress and ensures the therapy process runs smoothly.
Moreover, therapy is more than just discussing your feelings—it’s a chance to delve into your behaviors, recognizing both positive and negative patterns. This understanding can lead to practical changes in your decision-making and overall mental health.
Applying the insights you gain in therapy is vital. For example, if you’re feeling isolated, a therapist can help you find ways to connect with others, suggesting activities or groups that can facilitate natural connections.
Finally, it’s important to acknowledge that maintaining progress can be challenging. The initial sessions might be filled with venting, but real progress requires consistent effort outside the therapy sessions. Even small improvements can gradually lead to significant changes.
Despite its benefits, nearly 50 percent of U.S. individuals with clinical mental health issues don’t seek professional help, as reported by Sapien Labs. Recognizing the potential positive impact of therapy is crucial, and it’s essential to engage in as many sessions as needed to achieve and maintain good mental health.
