There has recently been a positive change in society’s mentality towards mental health.
More and more people are beginning to appreciate the benefits of therapy and how it could potentially improve their relationship with themselves and with others.
But there is also quiet a bit of apprehension and uncertainty as well.
Some people might think that unless you have serious mental problems, you can go without seeing a single therapy in your life.
But there are many good reasons for you to seek out therapy, no matter how well-adjusted you think you are.
There’s always room for improvement, especially if you have children.
Your kids can definitely stand be have a calmer, happier and less stressful parent.
But you may be wondering what exactly happens when you go a shrink. And that’s where we come in!
What Goes On During Therapy
The concept of getting any psychiatric help can be terrifying for some people.
But depending on what kind of cousellor you go to, your experiences may vary greatly.
A clinical psychiatrist can prescribe medication for mental disorders like depression, anxiety, etc.
But a therapist, or licensed psychologist, can only offer you ‘tools’ to cope with your current mental state.
Many people will usually choose the second option first.
If your condition is too serious for their level of expertise, they will recommend a good psychiatrist so you can get the help you need.
But one thing’s for sure, you’ll likely be doing for more talking and self-work with therapists than you will a psychiatrist.
And a session will mostly involve a lot of back and forth.
You’ll likely find that you may also already feel loads better just by talking to someone about your problems. Before the therapist even recommends any help. Such is the power of conversation.
Once the therapist has assessed your mental state (and possibly even give you a diagnosis), they will then likely prescribe you some homework instead of medication.
These assignments can help you identify and process your issues in a healthy, productive way.
But depending on what area the therapist specialises in, you may undergo various exercises in order to improve the areas that you seek to address.
Benefits of Therapy for Parents
It Improves Your Mental Health
Not to state the obvious, but therapy can do wonders for your mental health—especially if you find a good therapist.
They can help you cope with your daily stresses, address the cause of your depression and even give you healthy tools to deal with things like anxiety.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), for instance, which is used a lot in therapy, is one such tool that helps with these problems.
This technique attempts to rewire how you look at the world and yourself.
With repeated sessions, CBT can turn negative situations into positive opportunities.
It Can Help You Heal
As much we all are unwilling to admit it, we all likely have some sort of trauma. Whether that’s from bullying, near death experiences, childhood abuse, etc.
These traumas can create roadblocks in our minds that prevent us from moving forward.
In many cases, they may hinder us from excelling in our relationships, careers and even in our health.
That’s when these traumas manifest as disorders. Disorders that disrupt the normal day-to-day function of our lives.
Even seemingly innocent complexes like being a perfectionist, narcissist, germaphobe or an overthinker can overtime wear away at us.
With therapy, you can slowly unlearn these inclinations.
It Improves Your Parenting
Finally, therapy itself can help you become a better parent.
Resolving your issues at a shrink can greatly reduce your own negative responses with your loved ones.
You will end up being much calmer, composed, organised and even functioning at a better capacity than usual.
Therapy also makes you more self-aware of your mental state.
You will learn to be perceptive of your own parenting shortcomings as a result of the self-improvement exercises that you do.
Some people may think that they’re already great parents and that they don’t need therapy.
But there is conflict and resentment in all families.
So, being able to deal with those situations in a better way, without using force or violence, will definitely bring you closer together as a unit.
Getting Professional Help
Therapy is definitely something you should look into if you can afford it.
But there are plenty of free or subsidised mental health services available in Malaysia.
In these clinics, you can seek counsel for your problems and even get psychiatric intervention. Especially if you know you suffer from a serious mental illness, like suicidal ideation or eating disorders.
There is so much stigma surrounding therapy and mental health, so it’s no wonder how people may still be hesitant to go seek professional help. Even though it will greatly improve their life quality.
But perhaps it only takes one brave person to show the world that it’s okay to ask for help once in a while.
After all, it’s for the good and betterment of the entire family, and will ensure a happy and peaceful for years to come.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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