Why Going to Therapy is A Strength, Not A Weakness
Written by Emily Vasseur, LCPC
People start therapy for a variety of different reasons, all deeply personal and individual. Some come for reasons like burnout, stress, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life. Others seek therapy during times of relationship changes, major life transitions, or a desire for a deeper understanding of themselves. Still others begin therapy because they are struggling with trauma, addiction, or ongoing mental health challenges. Regardless of the reason for starting therapy, all experiences—big, small, and in between—are valid and worthy of support. I often hear in first sessions that people had put off going to therapy because they never thought their issues were “big enough.” I often respond with reassurance and validation that there is no threshold of suffering required to deserve support. If something is impacting a person’s life, it matters.
Someone who comes to therapy does not have to be in crisis. In fact, as therapists, we often encourage people to seek support earlier rather than waiting until things feel too overwhelming. There are many different levels of care ranging from inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient therapy. Here at Mountain View Wellness, we provide outpatient care. Outpatient is the least restrictive setting as we see people up to twice a week in order to ensure that we are meeting your needs appropriately. We like to see therapy as something that is both preventative and supportive. People come to us with issues they are struggling with and acknowledge they need support in managing. I often tell clients that they are fully in control of their therapy, we simply help them to develop the map to guide them during their journey. During that journey, we walk together as a treatment team to grow, gain insight, and implement strategies to uncover strengths, overcome challenges, and create meaningful change.
As a trauma specialist, I work with clients who have experienced a wide range of difficult or painful experiences—some that are obvious and life-changing, and others that may seem smaller but still have a big impact over time. Almost everyone has had some sort of traumatic experience in their life and it’s completely normal and typical to feel the need for support during that time. As therapists, we have the unique privilege of helping people with emotional regulation, patterns in relationships, anxiety, stress, trauma, confidence, and self-esteem. We often feel so appreciative that clients trust not just us, but themselves enough to open up and share some of their deepest and darkest moments with us. It’s truly a compliment.
When someone asks me what signs might be that it’s time for therapy, I often tell them that it looks different for everyone. Some people may feel completely isolated and shut down and others may just be starting to feel rundown with whatever life is throwing at them. I often describe it as a spectrum, where the intensity can shift up or down depending on the person and the moment. Sometimes, we all experience challenges that weigh on us, and noticing these patterns can be an important first step toward understanding ourselves better. You don’t need to have a crisis to benefit from support—simply recognizing areas where life feels heavier than usual can be enough reason to reach out.
Here are a few signs you might consider reflecting on, not as a diagnosis, but as gentle prompts for self-awareness:
Self-Reflection Checklist:
☐ Do I often feel emotionally drained or exhausted?
☐ Do I notice myself repeating the same challenges or patterns in life?
☐ Do I avoid certain situations or emotionally “shut down” to cope?
☐ Do I struggle to manage my emotions in ways I’d like?
If you find yourself checking one or more of these boxes, it doesn’t mean something is “wrong”—it simply might be helpful to explore these feelings with a trained professional who can support you in navigating them.
Therapy can be a tool for personal growth. It can help people that may not even be thinking that there is something “going wrong” in their lives, but rather want a “tune up.” It can help people to increase their self-awareness, learn how to implement or respect boundaries, communicate more effectively, or gain a stronger sense of identity. Your therapist will work with you to help you identify where that map needs to lead.
Another question I often get asked is “What happens in therapy?” While there will be another article on what the first session may look like, I will give you some idea of what therapy is and is not. Therapy is not being judged, forced to talk, or fixed. Therapy is individualized and is not only vastly different for each person, but may also be different from session to session. I often structure sessions with a brief check in, review of any homework, processing, and then we end the session with setting goals for the time between sessions. A typical therapy session is a safe, confidential space where you can talk about what’s on your mind, explore your feelings, and work on challenges with guidance from a trained professional. Sessions often include conversation, reflection, and practical strategies tailored to your needs. Refer to our earlier post about how to find the right fit for you.
Therapy is a tool for anyone who wants support, growth, or a safe space to reflect—whether you’re facing a challenge, navigating change, or simply looking to better understand yourself. Reaching out doesn’t mean something is “wrong”; it means you’re taking an active step in caring for your mental and emotional well-being. No matter where you are in your journey, therapy can provide guidance, insight, and strategies to help you move forward with confidence and clarity. If you’ve been thinking about therapy, know that it’s never too early—or too small—to start.
