Therapy is Normal

What if I were to tell you that the therapist you are seeing sees a therapist? "Oh, never mind, I'm going somewhere else. I don't want to be seeing a therapist that sees a therapist." Well, what if you learned your dentist had their teeth cleaned by another dentist? Or what if your pastor sought consultation from another pastor? Would you chastise them now? Sounds silly, doesn't it.

I've been seeing therapists on and off for the past 20 years and you know what — I love it! Before I got into this business, I used to think it was weird, a sign of weakness, or embarrassing. There was this big stigma about who sees a therapist and you know what? Nothing's changed. People still look at counseling like a bad thing.

Let's look at what therapists do. Therapists help people help themselves. How could getting help ever be a bad thing? Therapists help people become better versions of themselves. How can this ever be embarrassing? How can being a better human being carry a stigma?

The Real Numbers

Nowadays, I make sure every client understands how awesome they are for getting therapy. I tell them that they have enough insight to know that they aren't happy with their lives and want to improve and change. Do you know what my estimation is of the population that ever seeks therapy? 20%. Do you know what percent should be receiving it? 100%!!! Yes, especially you reading this now!

You know what's more suspect than someone who sees a therapist? Someone who doesn't. That to me is more concerning because the TRUTH is: we are all human beings with crazy minds, with childhoods and experiences we'd rather forget. We all have a story to tell, we've all suffered one way or another — and there's NOTHING wrong with talking about it.

Everyone's on this fitness craze, looking ultra fit, posting pictures of their chiseled abs. But say you look like a perfect 10 — what does that emotional heart look like? Can you love unconditionally yet? People distract themselves every single day of their lives, not realizing the unconscious stores it all.

In the end, if you brush your teeth, you still go to the dentist, right? Well, what's keeping you from prioritizing your emotional and psychological health as well?