BARRIERS TO THERAPY
Thinking about starting your therapy journey can feel like a big challenge for numerous reasons. It is really important that the therapist is aware of the potential barriers that get in the way of their clients starting therapy, continuing therapy & progressing in therapy. Because if we can identify them, we can work with the client to overcome these blockages & improve the client’s life by helping them to achieve their goals.
It's important to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you're struggling with mental health issues, reaching out for therapy can be a crucial step towards healing and growth. Therapy provides a safe space to explore your feelings, understand your challenges, and develop coping strategies. Don't let fear or stigma hold you back; your wellbeing matters, and there are professionals ready to support you on your journey to better mental health. Taking that first step can be daunting, but it can also be incredibly empowering. You deserve to feel better, and help is available.
1. FINANCES is a common fear especially if you are considering private support
Yes, private support is quicker & overall gives you more control over your support. But to help cut costs, check if you can go through your insurance or workplace.
Alternatively, consider the low-cost private options or there is free support that you can access in your local area (Links in my story highlights).
2. I have too much going on. I’m not sure I have the TIME TO COMMIT to therapy.
The time must be right for therapy. If there is lots going on that needs to take priority the advice should really be to hold off.
However, it’s worth sitting down to investigate how much time you actually have. Start with a diary log to figure out if there is some time that can be carved out. Consider if there is anything in the diary that can be moved around.
Also, most therapists/services will offer online or telephone which might make things more flexible for you.
3. I haven’t got the MOTIVATION, INTEREST or READINESS to change.
Unfortunately, this is common due to the nature of mental health difficulties, which often affects our motivation.
Therapy requires openness to its possibilities. It's worth weighing the pros & cons of therapy. Therapists can only act as mirrors to shed light on your thoughts, feelings, & behaviours, to hopefully encourage changes.
Always start with small steps & this can gain traction to fight against the lack of motivation.
4. PREDICTIONS ABOUT THERAPY can lead us down a road of ANXIETY, SHAME, FEAR. encouraging you to outright AVOID CONFRONTING YOUR PROBLEM.
If you predict something bad is going to happen, the body prepares you for that bad thing which makes you feel uncomfortable. A natural reaction is to go into flight mode. Because if I avoid the situation that is creating all these emotions, then I will calm down & feel safe again.
Whilst avoidance helps in the short-term, this never confronts those feelings, leaving you stuck with the same problem in a long-term.
5. “I would be seen as WEAK & JUDGED by others if I seek help”, “This problem is TOO BIG”, “NO ONE CAN HELP ME”, “I CAN’T BE FIXED”, “My problems AREN’T A BIG DEAL”, “I DON’T DESERVE HELP”, “I don’t want to BURDEN anyone”
Be mindful of what you tell yourself. LOOK OUT FOR the BELIEFS you hold about your problems. Are you being UNKIND & UNFAIR TO YOURSELF? Or are you DOWNPLAYING the issues in an attempt to self sooth?
Notice how THESE THOUGHTS ARE UNHELPFUL as they KEEP US in the same spot, STUCK. If us therapists identify these thoughts early on, we can introduce tools to break them down & stop them from holding you back.