We all know what it’s like to have a great conversation — the type of conversation you walk away from feeling lighter, more confident, and motivated. It adds a bit of clarity to your life, maybe even a bit of self-compassion. But those conversations can be pretty rare. After all, they require a very generous listener with the life experience necessary to not only hear you but also give you new perspectives on yourself and the events in your life.

Well, that’s pretty much what therapy is — except therapists make those conversations happen whenever you need them. More than that, therapists have been trained to optimally help you based on a lot of science, art, and just general compassion. Whether you’re struggling with something big or small, therapists are there to give you new perspectives, help you overcome any maladaptive, negative thought or behavior patterns you may have, and just let you vent when you need it.

That’s why therapy is so beneficial and so common these days — it helps you make the most out of your life and gives you space to learn more about yourself and what your future could look like. The goal isn’t just momentary relief but enduring positive change. That’s why, as therapists, we aim to give you the tools you need to healthily cope with the stresses you face now and will face down the line. That way, your weeks keep getting brighter and brighter.

The major types of therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), humanistic therapy, couples counseling, group counseling, and more. Different types of therapy will benefit people with different life and mental health concerns. But, of course, therapy is for everyone and anyone, no matter what they are or aren’t going through.

Over time, we’ll find tension spots in your life and work through them. After seeing a therapist, many people find that their self-awareness grows, they feel more empowered, they begin making healthier choices, and they become more resilient to the stressors that used to affect them.

So if you are thinking about why therapy is important, in a nutshell, its to help you emerge as the best version of yourself that can exist. Here are some tips to make your first meeting with a new therapist more comfortable: 

1. Set up a consultation- Consultations can make the transition from meeting to someone to sharing your life story with them much easier. The consultation allows you to also see if the therapist is a good fit for your needs. 
2. Make a list of topics you want to cover before your session- Many people go to therapy and get nervous or start jumping from topic to topic. The time goes fast, so make sure you use it wisely. It is ok to let your therapist know some of the topics you want to cover in the session. 
3. Take care of all of your billing concerns or issues prior to your appointment- If your therapist works alone, he or she may be the one to review your finances and billing. If this is the case, do it on a different day. After a heavy life-changing session, you don’t want to start talking numbers. Let your therapist know this prior.

Therapy is beneficial and helpful to anyone who has an open mind to grow. 

About Dr. Tasha Holland-Kornegay

Dr. Holland – Kornegay is also the founder and owner of Our Treatment Center, PLLC. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor who earned her Doctoral Degree in Counseling (Human Services) with a concentration in Family Intervention Strategies. She brings years of experience in the Mental Health field and Management. She has an unmatched desire and passion for working with children, and families, of all backgrounds and ethnicities. She can be reached at tasha@wellnessirl.com.