When is the right time to start therapy?

One of the questions that I get asked quite frequently is “How do I know when it’s time start therapy?” Most individuals don’t wake up one morning and think “today’s the day for therapy.” There’s rarely an epiphany that happens that tells us it’s time to initiate support. Rather, for many there’s almost a sense of a slow burn, a feeling of unhappiness, or discontent, a niggling worry or feeling that things just aren’t right….

There is no right time to being therapy. There is no internal clock that goes off that tells us that we need to seek help. There is no red flashing light that goes on that warns us that we’re under pressure or stress. However, there are warning signs and if listen closely enough to those signs, we can recognize when therapy may prove beneficial.

Reasons to consider starting therapy:

• Are you noticing that you’re having a harder time managing/controlling your emotions or emotional responses?
• Are you feeling disconnected or less engaged with others?
• Are you have difficulty navigating life stressors?
• Are you using food, alcohol, or other unhealthy avenues as coping mechanisms?
• Are you having a harder time navigating conflict?
• Is there a sense that aspects of your life may be out of balance?
• Are you feeling less passionate about your work/career?
• Are you feeling less effective in your roles at home or with your partner?

If any of the above resonate with you, it may be time consider exploring therapy.