Maximizing The Benefits Of Therapy: Advanced Tips For Long-Term Growth

Individuals can reap numerous benefits from therapy, from reduced stress and anxiety to greater confidence and self-awareness. However, some people may be hesitant to sign up for therapy because they don’t realize that it can often yield life-changing results. Below, explore the potential benefits of therapy and tips to get the most from therapy for sustained growth. 

Benefits of talk therapy

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2019, 9.5% of adults in the United States received therapy or counseling from a mental health professional. Other research shows over 55 million adults in the US have a therapist. Talk therapy can provide numerous benefits to people with a variety of concerns. While a person doesn’t have to have a mental health condition to see a therapist, therapy is often effective for treating mental illness. 

Treatment for mental health conditions

Many people living with a mental health condition experience improvement with therapy. Therapy has been proven effective in reducing symptoms of various disorders, such as anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder (BPD), and bipolar disorder, among others. The following are some ways that therapy can be beneficial for a few common mental disorders.

The benefits of therapy for depression and anxiety

Many people seek therapy for relief from depression symptoms. According to one study published in 2021, “41% of patients respond to psychotherapy for depression, compared with 17% in usual care.” One way that people may benefit from therapy for depression and anxiety is by practicing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). 

CBT is an evidence-based practice that typically aims to help clients identify and replace negative or inaccurate thoughts about themselves. Some of these thoughts may be difficult to identify alone, but a therapist may be able to recognize them and help a person see that they aren’t true. For example, some people may believe that they feel depressed because of a personal failure. A licensed mental health professional might help a person break the power of these inaccurate thoughts and replace them with more accurate thoughts. With more empowering thoughts, individuals may experience significant relief from depression and anxiety.

The benefits of therapy for social anxiety disorder

People experiencing social anxiety disorder may benefit from a mental health treatment called exposure therapy. With this treatment, a therapist gradually exposes a person to feared situations. One of the benefits of this type of therapy is that a person can approach their fears in a safe setting without judgment. 

At first, a therapist may ask a person to write down situations they fear in order from least to most fear-inducing. Then, the therapist may ask the person to imagine themselves in a feared social situation while using relaxation techniques. Eventually, the therapist may ask the person to gradually expose themselves to real-life situations. Exposure therapy can gradually weaken a person’s fear of social situations. 

Benefits of therapy for self-improvement

Not everyone who attends therapy has a mental illness. Some people may attend therapy for self-improvement in a number of areas. For example, therapy may help people build self-confidence so that they can excel more professionally. Other people may seek therapy as they prepare for a life transition, such as a move to a new city. Others use therapy to plan a positive and healthy lifestyle to simultaneously improve mental and physical wellness. 

Benefits of family therapy for relationships

Therapy can also benefit relationships between family members. For example, it may improve relationships between couples and between parents and children. Family therapy can also benefit the family members of a person living with a mental illness by providing psychoeducation and strategies for supporting that person while caring for their own mental health. 

Tips for long-term growth

If you sign up for therapy, there may be some strategies to help you get the most out of your experience. Consider the following tips for sustained growth: 

Be open with your therapist

Being open with a therapist can be challenging. For some, worries can arise about saying something that could shock or scare their therapist if they reveal it. However, therapists typically have experience helping people with many challenging thoughts and emotions. The more open you are, the more you might get from therapy, as your authenticity can ensure the sessions are tailored to your unique needs. 

Approach homework with openness

Some therapists occasionally assign people homework. Homework may consist of mental exercises, the use of conflict resolution strategies, or the use of a journal. Homework is typically not designed to be graded. It’s usually meant to continue the work done during weekly therapy sessions. You might get the most out of therapy during the week by approaching homework with an open mind.

Take any prescribed medication as directed

Some people are prescribed medication to be taken in conjunction with therapy. Medication may prepare you to get as much as you can from therapy sessions. By continuing to take medication as prescribed, you might make more long-term progress. 

The BetterHelp platform is not intended to provide any information regarding which medication or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content provides generalized information that is not specific to one individual. Do not take any action without consulting a qualified medical professional.

Write about your therapy experience

After each therapy session, write down anything you found insightful. If you discontinue therapy, you might set a reminder to periodically review your notes from therapy. Doing so may help you remember important coping strategies that can lead to long-term growth. 

Getting help through online talk therapy

Many of the benefits of therapy can also be obtained through online therapy. With a platform like BetterHelp, individuals can choose how to communicate with a therapist by phone, video calls, or live chat. Some people may prefer the latter option if they communicate more comfortably in writing. Also, online therapy tends to be more affordable than in-person therapy without insurance.  

A number of peer-reviewed studies support the effectiveness of online therapy. One study published in 2020 found that online cognitive-behavioral therapy can be as effective as traditional in-person therapy for depression. Other studies have found that online therapy can be effective for anxiety, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and substance use disorders (formerly called substance abuse disorders), among other disorders.

Takeaway

Therapy can offer various benefits to individuals and families, offering insight into emotional and mental health challenges, help with self-improvement, and skills to improve relationships. If you’re interested in exploring the benefits of therapy, whether for a mental health condition or for personal reasons, you might consider trying online therapy or reaching out to a provider in your area.