Seeking therapy is the beginning of a healing process that will lead to a more fulfilling life. Establishing a therapeutic relationship with a therapist, finding the appropriate treatment and doing the "work" are vital parts of the process. This is why the therapeutic process is collaborative in nature. An important aspect of the healing process is taking into consideration cultural backgrounds such as our ethnicity or family culture we come from. It is vital that we work with someone who can relate to us.
We need a safe and trusting therapeutic environment, a non-judgmental therapeutic professional relationship and openness to work towards healing. It is possible to explore deeper issues such as abuse, family of origin struggles, and childhood trauma . Understanding the neurobiology of the brain gives hope that we can heal from our traumas because our brains are moldable. In other words, change is possible when we focus on building connections between our hearts, mind and body.
There are many reasons why we seek mental health support. Some might seek therapy to alleviate symptoms such as depression, anxiety, PTSD and others that are interfering in their day to day life. When these symptoms are not addressed and dealt with, they usually worsen and create even more stress in our lives.
Others might be interested in exploring how past experiences still impact their daily life. Any life experience becomes a learning opportunity to find our true selves. For instance, a divorce can help a person learn more about their patterns in relationships. A loss of a loved one may make us think about our mortality and other existential issues. All these challenges and struggles that can build strength and resilience during the stages of our lives. It is important that we receive the support we need to keep moving in life.