Therapy 101: The price, stigma, why it works, when to take a break, and more.
S2E11 – therapy 101: the price, stigma, when to break up with your therapist + does it actually heal your trauma?
Ever wondered if therapy can really work wonders or if it’s just hype? This week on The Twenties Detox, we’re diving deep into the world of therapy. We explore why therapy can be a game-changer for your mental health, as well as the stigma, price, how to know when it's time to break up with your therapist, and the big question… can therapy actually heal your trauma?
Tune in, get comfy, and let's detox that mind!
Live on Spotify, iHeart Radio, and Apple Podcasts :)
Breaking the Stigma: Therapy is Not a Sign of Weakness
For a while, I avoided therapy. I was taught that being vulnerable, or crying was feeling sorry for myself. A sign of weakness.
Just like everyone though– I had some inner demons :)
They would cause anger outbursts and depressive episodes as a teen. And when early adulthood hit, I also developed symptoms of anxiety.
Even then, I kept telling myself – “Therapy isn’t for me….that means something is seriously wrong with me.”
Boy was I wrong.
I’ve learned that most people in life hide how they truly feel. It’s easier. Safer. We’ve just labelled the inability to open up as “strong”…
What’s more courageous however, is being brave enough to speak your truth. Therapy doesn’t mean you’re weak. It doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. It means you’re brave enough to unlock parts of yourself most people are afraid to touch. It means you’re finally being accountable for your actions, instead of blaming it on everyone, and everything around you.
Therapy means you’re weak? Nah.
Being another person lost in the matrix of believing you’re a victim to life – is being weak. You’re afraid that maybe it isn’t about your job, or your partner, or the amount of friends you have (or don’t have), or how much money is in your bank…Maybe it’s none of that.
Maybe it’s you.
Stop being afraid to open your mind.
Therapy 101
Therapeutic alliance: what it is and why it matters
When you first start therapy, something you have to pay attention to is this: the therapeutic alliance. The therapeutic alliance refers to the relationship between you and your therapist. It's about mutual trust, respect, and understanding.
A strong therapeutic alliance means you feel safe and supported, allowing you to open up fully. Without this, therapy won't be as effective. Not only do you have to be open and willing to be vulnerable, but your therapist must also be reciprocating and prompting you in a direction of clarity.
If you feel like your therapist develops into a best friend… I think you’re doing something right.
Why Therapy Works (yes it can heal your trauma)
I actually started therapy at a time when I felt good. I wasn’t going through any active struggles, but I knew if I wanted to be a therapist (something I was considering at the time) I had to make sure any subconscious beliefs that would affect me being a practitioner had to be brought to light.
I am an advocate for meditation and journaling because it allows you to further understand your subconscious beliefs, break them, and recenter yourself to a better state of being. However, there are some things that even our subconsicous isn’t ready to open up about…That’s where therapy comes in.
Therapy is not only a way to work through active struggles, but it also ensures that past trauma, or negative experiences no longer provides an emotional response.
For example, I never realized how influential my childhood was toward my money, and work habits until I started therapy. I also didn’t know how fragile my sense of self-worth really was until she prompted me some questions about body image.
Sometimes, we don’t feel ready to tap into the depths of our subconscious alone, and that’s perfectly ok. A good therapist can help you analyze a wound that isn’t fully healed, understand the root of what happened, learn from it, release emotions tied to it, stitch it up, slap some vitamin e oil on, and let it go.
Major Downside: The Price
It’s no secret that the price of therapy is expensive. I have to pay $170 CAD per session, but fortunately it’s covered through my work insurance..
I know however, that most people don’t have this luxury.
There are other options like BetterHelp, however I want to preface that you get what you pay for… There is a reason why I spend more money for a patho-psychologist over a regular psychologist, or social worker. They have more experience and knowledge.
My therapist mainly uses cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in her sessions, which focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviours. (detoxing the mind, hehe.) She is experienced in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma – most suited toward my needs.
If you need to work through deep-rooted issues, you need to make sure you’re going to someone qualified, otherwise a person with less experience could contribute to more confusion and issues.
That being said, even talking to a social worker is helpful. A little bit is better than nothing.
Knowing when to take a break
I recently heard the saying “You’re not a constant fix me project” and I couldn’t agree more. It's okay to step away from therapy when you feel you've gained the tools to handle life's challenges independently. If you're running out of things to discuss or managing issues on your own, it might be time to pause.
Recently, I made this decision, recognizing that I could effectively address problems without external help. Trust yourself to know when it's time to take a break.
For more in-depth insights and personal stories, listen to the latest podcast episode. Tune in to The Twenties Detox for a deeper dive into these topics and more.
