If like me, you grew up in a Latinx household, you know that only "los locos" ("crazy people") go to therapy. Although we are in 2021, the stigma around psychotherapy and psychopharmacology prevails. Nonetheless, for the past 10 months, since COVID-19 became a thing, the media has been making efforts to educate the masses about mental health with the goal of encouraging people to seek help. 

You might be wondering if therapy would suit you. 

Do I really need to see a therapist?

Will talking to someone for 50 min a week really make a difference?

Am I really going through something so bad?

Here are my thoughts:

I believe that we ALL benefit from therapy at different points in our lives. Life is hard and no matter how "tough" you are, at times you can't do it alone. And even those around you can't help you in the way you need to be helped. 

Just surviving 2020 merits therapy!

Therapy is a place not just for healing but also for personal growth. Your life does not have to be in shambles for you to benefit from therapy.

If you have been considering starting therapy, but are unsure if it would be helpful, these are some of the common reasons why people seek out a therapist.

1.To process all the changes and losses of 2020

2.To learn how to cope with COVID-19 related stress

3.To address anxiety related to the political climate and racial tensions

4.To manage anxiety or depression

5.To heal relationships that are strained

6.To work on occupational-related stress

7.To break away from unhealthy patterns

8.To grieve the end of a relationship.

9.To have additional support

10.To improve your self-esteem and learn self-compassion

11.To process how your physical health has been impacted

12.To learn how to thrive after experiencing trauma

13.To help you gain clarity about the changes you want to make, yet are unsure of how to make them

14.Because a loved one suggested that therapy might help

Seeking therapy hasn't always been as "easy," not just because of stigma, but also because it can be hard to find a therapist that you can relate to and feel a connection with that is within your budget, speaks your language, and understands your racial/cultural background. 

I have had clients drive one hour each way to see me because I was the nearest bilingual Latinx therapist within their price range. 

Thankfully, telehealth is here to stay! Making quality therapy more accessible in so many ways.