There’s no better feeling than venting out to a friend who is there to listen at the right time, isn’t it? Sometimes though, that might not be enough. At other times, it may even backfire. In this blog post, we will explain why.
As social animals, it is our natural tendency to turn to our friends and family for a piece of advice during a rough patch. While this can be cathartic, it is essential to understand that it is not quite the same as therapy.
Therapists employ evidence-based methods to help individuals address a broad spectrum of mental health issues, among which depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues are common.
What is therapy?
Therapy, also known as psychotherapy or counseling is a type of treatment that entails meeting with a trained mental health professional to combat emotional, behavioral, and mental health problems.
It is more of a collaborative process, where goals are pre-established and both parties work towards achieving them gradually.
Although therapy is mainly used to treat mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and drug abuse, it may also benefit individuals who are struggling with life transitions, and relationship issues, or merely want to better their overall well-being.
How does therapy differ from talking to a friend?
Confidentiality:
Would you ever know if your secret is kept safe? With a therapist, you can be sure. Because they have to abide by legal regulations and ethical guidelines, all discussions are to be kept private as per the rules.
This ensures a safe haven in which one can be vulnerable without fear of judgment or repercussions.
Objective perspective:
Therapists are educated to be objective and non-judgmental, which allows them to offer unbiased counsel and guidance.
Friends, on the other hand, may have biases or emotional investments in our situation that cloud their judgment, leading the situation out of the frying pan, and into the fire.
Professional training and expertise:
To become a licensed mental health professional, therapists must complete substantial training and education. They have a thorough knowledge of mental health conditions and effective treatments, and they can offer evidence-based interventions to assist individuals in overcoming obstacles.
Meanwhile, our friends do not possess the necessary training or expertise to assist us in navigating such complex emotional problems.
Client-specific structured approach:
Therapists are not only skilled in a variety of therapeutic approaches but have also tailored strategies to understand each client's specific needs.
Friends and peers are huddled in the same environment as we are so it is more likely that their advice may align with most of our presumptions. And that doesn’t always end well, does it?
Boundaries:
Therapy has clear boundaries and expectations, which can be good for people who have difficulty with interpersonal boundaries. Meanwhile, with friends, there’s no clear demarcation of boundaries.
Hasn’t one of your friends come up with over-the-top advice that made matters worse than better? Yeah, you get it.
Safe environment:
Clients can explore their ideas and feelings in a safe and supportive atmosphere without fear of judgment or criticism. This is particularly important for people who are dealing with feelings of shame, guilt, or other negative emotions.
A sense of anonymity is reassuring for the client as the therapist does not share the same everyday atmosphere.
Your friend could be your confidante but there may be a constant reminder of the shame or guilt whenever there’s a face-off.
Coping skills and strategies:
Therapists design client-specific methods for coping with stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. They devise unique ways of relaxation, mindfulness exercises, and cognitive-behavioral strategies to help clients control symptoms and have an approach toward a better life.
On the contrary, Friends would come up with the most casual advice like "Go watch a series, you’ll feel better” or Let’s go for a long drive”. Understanding an unhealthy state of mind can only come with education.
And unless your friend is educated in this field, going for a drive?
Validation and support:
“Oh, you’re crying over this, wait till you hear how worse I’ve got it?’’ Sounds familiar? In today’s world, with ravaging social media trends and poor mental health being the new normal, people tend to compare their troubles. This often results in your feelings being invalidated.
Therapy can provide individuals with a sense of support and validation. It is common for people struggling with mental health issues to feel isolated and alone. Therapy can provide a safe and supportive environment where they can feel heard, understood, and supported.
Here’s a reminder, YOUR FEELINGS ARE COMPLETELY VALID!
So Why therapy is better than talking to a friend?
For starters, therapy can help individuals get an insight into their thoughts and emotions, which enables them to master self-awareness and acceptance. It guides them to navigate their emotions better and make positive changes in their lives.
Second, the aim of therapy is to teach us coping mechanisms for dealing with stress, anxiety, and other mental health problems. Relaxation techniques, mindfulness exercises, and cognitive-behavioral strategies are an integral part of therapy that helps prevent spiraling down this rabbit hole.
Finally, therapy provides us with a feeling of support and validation, along with a safe space to share good and bad experiences while nobody looks down on us. Judgment is out of the picture when it comes to professional therapy.
So yes, your therapist is right. And if you aren’t already seeing one, do it!
If you're ready to take control of your mental health, don't hesitate to reach out. At Koott, our experienced Malayali psychologists offer online counseling to help you understand your emotions, build better coping skills, and find the support you need. Start your journey toward mental wellness today—you're not alone in this.
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