Tony Soprano of HBOsThe Sopranos, who gets counseling twice a week, is a violent criminal.
These types of characters convey an (unfortunately false) message: Therapy is only for people withseriousproblems.
In fact, Dr. Saltz says that pretty much anybody can benefit fromreally excellent talk therapy.
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1. take a stab at understand their reason for not going.
Here are a few common scenarios Dr. Thomas and Dr. Saltz see in practice.
This mentality leads a lot of people to have pretty sad and unnecessarily depressed and anxious lives.
How would you rate his concern for his well-being?
(More on that in a min!)
As Dr. Thomas notes, media-derived associations with therapy also extend to what sessions mightlooklike too.
Thats not how this works.
Yeah, there are some terrible therapists.
There are also some terrible doctors.
Its really about finding the right match.
Pick the right timeand non-accusatory approachto bring things up.
Whenever we are feeling called out, thats going to go badly, she explains.
In a couples situation, Dr. Saltz says, doubling down on the I statements is crucial.
In fact, maybe even in some ways, it hurt.
That said, sometimes the bad experience is because this person wasnt good or a good fit for you.
Reiterate how common it is to get help.
That mapping onto physical illness can be a useful construct, Dr. Thomas explains.
Dr. Saltz agrees: Our brains are like any other organ, she explains.
Our feeling states are a product of wiring and neurotransmitters.
The idea that you might just decide to feel differently is medically incorrect.
Another powerful fact to throw out?
How common mental health issues are.
Over half of all Americans have a DSM-5 diagnosis at some point in their life, she says.
Its not from bad parenting.
You could have a great growing up and still develop ananxietyor mood disorderthats just the way it is.
Play an active role in finding them the right help.
Dr. Saltz suggests doing some of the legwork to get things moving for them.
Whos in their area, and who takes their insurance and has availability?
Literally, you might make the calls for people, she explains.
All of that is worth doing for somebody you care about and youre trying to get help for.
(Here areseven therapist red flags you should never ignore.)
Then theres the cost of therapy, of course, which can be a really tricky obstacle to overcome.
Dr. Thomass favorite money-saving solution?
Try a psychology training program, she explains.
Those training clinics have therapists supervised by incredibly seasoned clinicians.
You are very likely to get good care at a much more discounted price.
(Here are a few other tips tofind a great therapist you’re free to actually afford.)
One of my biggest goals for people is to not be in therapyforever, she explains.
If a tooth is bothering you, you get a dentist to check it out.
