Seeking Therapy and Making the Most of it
Mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, yet many people hesitate to seek support due to stigma, misconceptions, not knowing where to start, believing our problems aren’t that bad, or having uncertainty about what therapy entails. Understanding the importance of reaching out for help and recognizing that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution can empower individuals to take meaningful steps toward healing and growth.
Therapy works differently for each person because every individual has a different life experience, personality, skillset, level of tolerance, and set of challenges. What is effective for one person may not be appropriate or helpful for another. This is why therapy must be tailored to the individual's specific needs, preferences, and goals.
For example, some people respond well to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns that may lead to certain unwanted behaviours; these behaviours may also elicit negative responses from those close to us, causing a cycle of dysfunction. Others may find dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) more beneficial, especially if they struggle with emotional regulation or interpersonal difficulties. Solution-focused approaches can help individuals concentrate on practical steps and strategies to move forward, sometimes resolving our issues requires the simplest solution that is right in front of us, we just haven’t decided to act on it yet. Person-centred therapy prioritizes creating a supportive and empathetic environment where clients feel heard and understood. All clients have their own strengths, figuring out how to use them to our advantage while learning new skills a key factor in making the most of therapy, regardless of which type of therapy you align with.
However, most clients that I see tend to benefit from a combination of all of the therapeutic approaches mentioned above. In my therapy practice in London, Ontario I incorporate all of these approaches in my day to day work with clients freely as they apply to the client and their concerns. For example, if the client experiencing anxiety tends to benefit from cognitively reframing their fears that lead to anxiety we would be likely to utilize a mix of CBT, DBT, and a strengths based approach to instil confidence in their ability to use strategies to cope with the anxiety and look at the situation from an alternative perspective.
Tailoring therapy to each individual client involves not only integrating various suitable approaches but also adapting techniques and pacing according to the client’s readiness, preferences, and comfort level. Sometimes clients feel as though a certain approach or technique is not overly beneficial to them and that is okay, we can pivot and move forward with new ideas and strategies as life and personal goals change; continuous collaboration between therapist and client is crucial to ensure the therapy remains relevant and effective.
Ultimately, seeking mental health support is a proactive decision that honours one’s individuality and paves the way for deeper self-awareness, resilience, and improved quality of life. If you or someone you know is considering therapy, remember that the right support should feel respectful of your past and present experiences and is always adaptable to your evolving needs.