Hey there, beautiful ones! Today, let’s dive into a topic that’s near and dear to my heart: therapy. Different kinds of therapy could quite possibly help you get started on your journey to healing and growth. A few years ago, my behavior and uncontrollable sadness and depression led someone I loved to give me an ultimatum: seek help or our relationship was over. While I might not have liked being challenged, I understood that something had to change. Here’s my story and some insights into how therapy can transform your life.
Finding the Right Therapist
When I first sought out a therapist, I was blessed to find one that fit my needs perfectly, specializing in bipolar disorder. This therapist-patient relationship lasted six years. When she moved practices, I followed her because she had become an integral part of my healing journey. Through these years, she helped me see my perspective as well as that of others. We tackled the surface issues and then delved deeper into the roots of my traumas.
When it came to the really deep traumas, I started Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy along with my regular sessions. PE therapy is NOT for the faint of heart. It involves reliving traumas repeatedly until you become desensitized to them. It’s intense but incredibly effective for processing deep-seated pain.
The Power of Couple’s Therapy
At the same time, I was struggling in many areas of my life, so I added Couple’s Therapy to the mix to repair my long-time relationship. Yes, at one point, I had three therapists simultaneously. This may seem extreme to some, but it was necessary for me. Over time, I graduated from PE Therapy and reduced my sessions to two therapists. Eventually, my original therapist moved too far away, and I had to end our relationship. However, she gave me her blessing, confident that I would be fine because I had put in tremendous work and grown significantly over the years.
The couple’s therapist stayed with us until the end of my marriage. She openly complimented the growth I had made within myself and the effort I put into the relationship. She understood why I could no longer continue because Couple’s Therapy is only effective if both partners are committed to growth.
Becoming Your Own Therapist
Before this all happened, I had become my own therapist through shadow work. I had already gained the tools from years of therapy, but now I had to dig deep within myself. Shadow work involves exploring the hidden or suppressed parts of yourself, which can be incredibly enlightening and healing.
After all these therapies and subsequent shadow work, I became the woman who comes to you every day to share my experiences and help you through your struggles. If I had never taken that first step toward talking to someone objectively, I’m not really sure where I would have landed.
Action Steps to Start Your Healing Journey
Therapy can seem daunting, but it’s a powerful tool for healing and growth. Here are three action steps to get you started:
- Seek Professional Help: Find a therapist who specializes in the areas you need help with. If you’re dealing with deep trauma, consider therapies like PE therapy. Remember, finding the right therapist might take time, so be patient with the process.
- Consider Couple’s Therapy: If you’re in a relationship and both partners are willing, Couple’s Therapy can be incredibly beneficial. It helps you understand each other better and work through issues with a neutral party.
- Start Shadow Work: If therapy isn’t accessible due to financial or location constraints, shadow work is a great starting point. It involves self-reflection and exploring the parts of yourself that you might have suppressed or ignored.
I say all this to emphasize that many people think having a therapist means you’re crazy. If that’s the case, I guess I was crazy three times over! But in reality, therapy is a way to express your emotions with someone who can objectively help you, and it was the greatest decision I ever made. If you are struggling in this life, I implore you to give it a go.
And if you can’t due to financial hardship or location, shadow work is a great starter. I believe in you. And remember, as always, I love you. 💙
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