FAQs about Therapy in Ann Arbor
You've narrowed down your list of therapists in Ann Arbor that you found through online searches, directories, and through friends & family. You're interested in getting therapy but you have a ton of questions. This is completely normal. If this is your first time seeking therapy, this is unknown and scary territory.
Don’t fret because, in this blog, I'll be answering some of the most frequently asked questions potential clients ask. It’s normal to have questions specifically about your potential therapist, as well as, questions about what the process of therapy looks like. By the end of this blog, you'll be able to have a better understanding of what therapy is and what the process may look like.
Question 1: Therapy is a time commitment and a financial commitment. Is therapy in Ann Arbor worth it?
When you go through therapy, there are many commitments. There are time commitments, financial commitments, emotional commitments, and lastly, a commitment to improving yourself.
Talking with a therapist can help provide a different perspective because they are neutral. Their feedback may be received differently. Therapy can address issues such as work stress & burnout syndrome, relationship issues, imposter syndrome, anxiety, depression, as well as many other issues.
The benefits you get from therapy depend on how much you put into the therapeutic process. The more you are willing to lean into the process emotionally and work, the better outcomes you may have. Some of the benefits of therapy could include:
A clear understanding of your values
Improved boundary setting
Improved personal and professional relationships
The development of problem-solving skills and coping skills.
Improved communication and listening skills.
Improved self-esteem and self-confidence.
Question 2: I’m not excited about being vulnerable in therapy. Is therapy going to be as painful as I imagine it will be?
Taking that first step toward healing is not an easy task. I applaud your strength to consider addressing your issues. It is not easy to be vulnerable and talk about difficult moments in life. With therapy, you get what you put into the process. The more you lean into the process, the more you will get out of the experience. There will be times when you feel uncomfortable and growing pains. With therapy, as you process your emotions and experiences, you may view the world in a different light.
Question 3: Do I need therapy? I'm fine most days.
We all face changing situations throughout life. Sometimes, we might need extra support when times are extra tough. This is completely normal. Those that are seeking therapy have the self-awareness that getting support means that they will be able to get through the tough times. Therapy can help improve the quality of your life by teaching you coping skills to use throughout life's most difficult situations.
Question 4: Why should I go to therapy in Ann Arbor? It’s not hurting my health.
Health consists of physical health and mental health. Many people focus only on their physical health while neglecting their mental health. People should take their mental health just as seriously as they would their physical health. Mental health affects overall health just as much as physical health. I’ll give you an example of why I recommend therapy in Ann Arbor.
Imagine if a person treated their diabetes the same way they treat their anxiety. Imagine if a person was diagnosed as having diabetes. Next, imagine that person saying, “Oh, I have diabetes. I’m not going to work with my doctor on this issue. I’m just going to suck it up and handle this on my own. I don’t need any help or medical advice at all.” Now replace diabetes with anxiety. Mental health plays an important role in overall health as physical health does. Take care of your health by taking care of your mental health. Seek support if you have mental health issues.
Question 5: Should I use medication or do therapy?
There is a time and place for medication, therapy, and a combination of the two. Different problems respond to different forms of treatment. In most cases, medication, therapy, or a combination of the two can help a person feel much better. For depression, there is some evidence that combining medication and therapy may be more effective than either treatment alone. For anxiety, medication and therapy are helpful. For many life transitions such as parenting or life adjustments, therapy is usually more appropriate than medication alone. Different circumstances require different treatments.
I hope you’ve taken away information that helps you find the right therapist in Ann Arbor. If you are looking for more tips for finding the right therapist for you, more information can be found on other blogs at TheBaseEQ.com. If you are looking for a therapist, reach out to me here or at (989) 487-1895 for a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation. I’d love to hear about what is happening and the best way that I can help support you. I want you to find the perfect therapist. If you are looking for help with work stress & burnout syndrome, relationship issues, and imposter syndrome, you can read more about how I can help here.
About The Author
Chris Rabanera is the founder of The Base EQ. His favorite part of the job is meeting with clients 1 on 1 for therapy sessions and seeing clients make life-altering changes. Chris Rabanera provides online therapy in Michigan and California for work stress & burnout syndrome, relationships, imposter syndrome, anxiety, depression, and grief counseling.
