The Benefits of Psychotherapy

I have been writing and speaking about the benefits of psychotherapy and mental health maintenance for over 20 years and the number-one question people ask me is: “Am I crazy if I seek therapy?” Generally speaking the answer is, “No.” In fact, most successful, happy, and balanced individuals work(ed) with a therapist at some point in their life.

Believe it or not, everyone has a bag of “crap” – EVERYONE. This bag is filled with unresolved issues, traumatic experiences, disappointing moments and personality quirks that we have accumulated over our lifespan. While these issues may begin presenting themselves in adolescence, they show up very strongly in our personal and professional relationships and make us who we are – for better or worse.

When we don’t address issues as they arise, the normal challenges of everyday life can cause significant problems in our relationships and contribute to the development of certain mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety, or personality disorders like borderline and narcissism. You may be relieved to know that many of the symptoms can be treated easily and without medication in a relatively short period of time if you dig deep and really work on the root of the issue in “supportive psychotherapy.”

Instead of asking, “Am I crazy if I seek therapy?” a better question may be, “What are the benefits of using psychotherapy?” Here are a few of the benefits my clients experience as a result of psychotherapy:

1) Reduced depression and irritability. The sadness and ‘meanness’ that often accompany depression are reduced or eliminated. While depression is normal, it should not linger or interfere with your ability to function.

2) Increase in like-ability. After addressing and releasing negative emotions, your personality usually becomes lighter and draws more people to you. Oftentimes in careers, people who are well-liked, get along with others, and have an approachable disposition are presented with opportunities to grow and lead.

3) Improved stress management. Coping with stress is a HUGE challenge in today’s world and many of us struggle with the most effective ways to release tension. The best way to release tension is to talk through it in a timely fashion and then let it go from your body. This is why exercise is so important: exercise is a natural anti-depressant and works wonders on your body! As some of you may know, I practice Taekwondo. Click here to see how I release my stress.

4) Better judgement. Your mind is unable to accurately and effectively process information when it is under stress and this directly impacts your ability to make sound judgement.

5) Improvement in ability to focus. Your ability to focus is improved when there are fewer internal distractions and your ability to manage your emotions is improved. Psychotherapy is GREAT with this area of development.

If you are finding it difficult to begin therapy and need some tips on how to understand the benefits of working on improving your perspective and mental health, here are some tips:

1. Accept the reality that you are not perfect.

2. Make a commitment to taking personal responsibility for your behavior: past, present and future.

3. Remind yourself that you are conditioned to thinking, feeling and behaving in ways in which you are probably unaware. As a result, it will take time for you to fully identify and understand how you experience the world and how the world experiences you.

4. As you look for a therapist, try to select someone who is empathic of your experiences and feelings and can help you through your fears, anger and defenses.

As always, I wish you pleasant journeys. With love and light …

Jinnie

Dr. Jinnie Cristerna is a psychotherapist, RoHun Doctor, author, and national mental health expert located in Chicago, IL. Dr. Cristerna works with talented and ambitious individuals, families, and corporations to help them break through and heal psychological roadblocks limiting their success. To learn more about Dr. Cristerna, go to www.HighAchiever.net

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