Why Therapy and Why Now…
A Letter From A Therapy: Issue 17
What kind of person are you? Are you the kind of person who always thought ‘I’m interested in therapy, but I’ll explore it when I have more time’? Or are you the kind of person who is reading this blog because you want a loved one to get into therapy? Or are you the loved one in that scenario? Or are you the kind of person who always valued therapy and are looking for a new provider? Or do none of these describe you and you’re just here because you’re interested in what this therapist has to say? Regardless of the reason, welcome and thank you for being here.
People can perceive the treatment of therapy in many different ways. Some enter into it very directly to cope with a specific issue or recent trauma and prefer a short-term and direct focus. Others desire a long-term relationship built on consistent rapport to address chronic difficulties or recurring issues. Whatever the reason for your presence here, I am honored to be a small part of your journey. The initial reason for someone to seek counseling greatly fascinates me because I have been in your place and I know how significant that step is in one’s process. I find myself so fortunate to be able to offer these services during a time in history when we are actively combating and reducing mental health stigma. On the other hand, we are finding ourselves in a historical time of uncertainty with a variety of new stressors to navigate. In times like these, making the simplest decisions can seem to consume us so we may need an objective sounding board and effective coping strategies at our ready disposal.
So take a moment and define for yourself: why are you here? What are you seeking? Setting goals and having clear objectives in psychotherapy significantly increases one’s positive outcome because you can tangibly measure how close you are to your personal definition of success. I promise you, your therapist (whether it is myself or another wonderfully capable colleague) will ask you “why are you here?”. Nobody but you can answer that question. There can be both philosophical and clinical answers that should be considered but it starts with you allowing yourself to consider what needs your time and attention.
I am so very proud of the work I do because it has allowed me to witness true change, progress, and achievement in how people see themselves and hold gratitude in their lives. So no matter what the reason is for your presence here (even if you’re the “someone in my life told me I need to” type of person), validate your human experience and take on the challenge. Be introspective and be willing to look at your life and progress from another lens. It could open up doors that you didn’t know exist.
Best Regards,
Amanda J. Nowak, LPC. LMHC
February 8, 2025
