Supporting a loved one or friend who may benefit from therapy can be a delicate and challenging process. Mental health is essential to overall well-being, and encouraging someone to seek professional help can make a significant difference in their life. Here’s a guide on compassionately encouraging someone to go to therapy.
1. Open the Conversation with Care
Initiating a conversation about therapy requires sensitivity and empathy. Choose a comfortable and private setting to discuss your concerns. Start by expressing your care and concern for their well-being. Use “I” statements to share your observations without making them feel judged or defensive. For example, “I’ve noticed you’ve been feeling overwhelmed lately, and I care about you. I think therapy could be really helpful.”
2. Share Your Own Experience
If you have had positive experiences with therapy, sharing your story can be powerful. Personal anecdotes help normalise therapy and demonstrate its benefits. You might say, “I went to therapy when I was struggling, and it made a huge difference. It helped me understand myself better and manage my emotions.”
3. Normalise Therapy
Emphasise that therapy is a common and healthy way to address mental health issues, just like going to the doctor for physical health. Highlight that many people, regardless of age, background, or situation, seek therapy to improve their mental well-being. This can help reduce any stigma they might associate with therapy.
4. Offer Support
Let them know they are not alone. Offer to help find a therapist or to accompany them to their first session if they are comfortable with it. Providing practical support can make the process feel less daunting. Say something like, “I can help you look for therapists who specialize in what you’re going through, and I’d be happy to go with you to your first appointment if you’d like.”
5. Provide Information
Share resources about the benefits of therapy and what to expect. Sometimes, understanding the process can alleviate fears and misconceptions. You can recommend articles, books, or online resources that explain how therapy works and its positive outcomes. For instance, “Here’s a great article about what to expect in your first therapy session. It might help you feel more prepared.”
Here are links to some useful sites to start this conversation. (Australian only)
Lifeline: Provides 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14, or chat online.
Beyond Blue: Offers support for anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention. Call 1300 22 4636, 24/7, or chat online.
MindSpot: A free service for people with anxiety, stress, low mood, or depression. Call 1800 61 44 34.
headspace: Provides support for young people aged 12-25 and their families. Call 1800 650 890, or chat online.
SANE Australia: Supports anyone affected by complex mental health issues. Call 1800 187 263, or chat online.
MensLine Australia: Offers professional counselling for men. Call 1300 78 99 78, 24/7, or chat online.
FriendLine: Supports anyone feeling lonely. Call 1800 424 287, or chat online.
Kids Helpline: Free 24/7 counselling for children and young people aged 5-25. Call 1800 55 1800.
Blue Knot Foundation: Provides support for adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse. Call 1300 657 380.
13YARN: Free and confidential crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Call 13 92 76.
6. Be Patient
Understand that going to therapy is a personal and sometimes difficult decision. Give them time to process the idea and make their own choice. Avoid pressuring them, as this can create resistance. Instead, offer gentle reminders and check in with them periodically. Respect their timeline and be there to support them regardless of their decision.
7. Address Concerns
If they have reservations about therapy, listen to their concerns without judgment. Offer reassurance and address any misconceptions they might have. For example, if they are worried about the cost, you can discuss sliding scale fees or community resources. If they are concerned about confidentiality, explain that professional ethics binds therapists to keep sessions private.
8. Highlight the Positives
Focus on the potential positive outcomes of therapy, such as improved emotional health, better coping skills, and overall well-being. Encourage them to see therapy as an investment in their future happiness and mental health. You might say, “Therapy can help you feel more in control of your emotions and give you tools to handle stress.”
9. Use Compassion
Approach the conversation with empathy and compassion. Avoid being pushy or forceful, as this can backfire. Show that you genuinely care about their well-being and are there to support them no matter what. A compassionate approach can make them feel understood and more open to the idea of therapy.
10. Suggest a Trial
Encourage them to try a few therapy sessions and see how they feel. Sometimes, taking the first step can lead to greater acceptance and commitment. You might say, “Why not give it a try for a few sessions and see how it goes? You can always decide later if it’s right for you.”
Conclusion
Encouraging someone to go to therapy requires patience, understanding, and compassion. By approaching the conversation with care and empathy, you can help them see the potential benefits and support them in taking this important step towards better mental health. Remember, the goal is to empower them to make their own decisions and offer your unwavering support throughout their journey.
I hope this blog helps you approach the conversation with care and understanding. If you need further guidance or support, feel free to ask.
Carmela Pollock is based in Mornington, Victoria, where she operates a successful private practice offering dynamic, holistic services, including individual counselling, group workshops, Reiki training and healing, past life regression, and mindfulness practices. She brings heart energy to every service, assisting clients in discovering their blueprint by guiding them to explore their inner world, dismantle unhelpful patterns, and build a new, values-based foundation. She inspires clients to reach higher and find self-inspiration, supporting them until they confidently walk their journey alone.
If you want to know more about Carmela's services, visit her website
Comments