This article explores the common barriers that prevent individuals from seeking counseling and offers actionable strategies to overcome them. It addresses challenges like time constraints, financial concerns, stigma, fear of vulnerability, and procrastination, emphasizing that these feelings are normal but not insurmountable. Cheryl Camarillo highlights the flexibility of therapy, including telehealth options and sliding-scale fees, and reassures readers that therapy is a collaborative and tailored process. By breaking the journey into small steps, such as scheduling an initial consultation, readers can reduce overwhelm and begin healing at their own pace. The article emphasizes therapy as a valuable tool for personal growth, not a lifelong obligation, and underscores the importance of finding a therapist who fits individual needs. Ultimately, it encourages readers to reframe their doubts, prioritize mental health, and take the first step toward healing and emotional resilience.
Introduction: Breaking Down Barriers to Counseling
Let’s start by acknowledging that seeking therapy can be daunting. You might wonder, “Should I get therapy?” or if you’re ready to open up about your struggles, or if therapy will even work for you. These feelings are entirely normal. It’s natural to feel hesitant about sharing deeply personal experiences with someone you’ve just met, especially when you’re unsure what to expect. You might also worry about whether the benefits of therapy will outweigh the challenges of starting. However, therapy isn’t about perfection or immediate solutions, it’s about creating a safe space to explore your thoughts and emotions at your own pace.
My goal here is not to convince you but to help you see therapy from a fresh perspective that aligns with your needs and values.
Seeking Therapy: Understanding Common Barriers
Starting therapy is a significant decision, and it’s natural to feel hesitant when faced with challenges that make it seem out of reach. Common barriers like time, cost, and societal stigma can feel overwhelming, but they’re not insurmountable with the right approach.
“Should I get therapy?” is a question many ask when facing these obstacles. Therapy often requires adjustments to your routine and mindset, but those small changes can lead to profound personal growth.
Let’s explore these barriers and how they can be addressed to help you prioritize your mental health.
Time Constraints
One of the most common reasons people hesitate to start therapy is time. Seeking therapy can feel like a big commitment, and “I don’t have enough time in my schedule right now” is something I hear frequently. And let’s be honest, it does take time. Between commuting to the therapist’s office, the hour-long session, and getting back to work or home, therapy can feel like a big commitment.
But here’s the thing: most therapists offer flexible options. Telehealth sessions, for instance, eliminate the need for commuting entirely, allowing you to fit therapy into a lunch break or a quieter part of your day. Some therapists also offer evening or weekend appointments, making it easier for those with busy schedules to prioritize their mental health. It’s also worth considering that while therapy requires an initial time investment, it often leads to improved focus, reduced stress, and better time management in the long run. When you make your mental well-being a priority, the time you spend on therapy can come back to you in the form of increased productivity and emotional balance.
Financial Concerns
Another significant barrier is cost. Therapy can feel like an expense you can’t afford, especially when life already feels financially stretched. But there are solutions. Community mental health centers, sliding-scale fees, and online counseling services can make therapy more accessible. Some therapists are even willing to work with clients to find a payment plan that fits their budget.
“Should I get therapy?” is a common concern when considering the cost, but it’s important to remember that therapy is an investment in your long-term well-being. Just as you might budget for health insurance, gym memberships, or self-care products, therapy is a proactive way to care for your mental and emotional health. Many people find that the benefits of therapy—such as reduced stress, improved relationships, and greater emotional resilience can positively impact other areas of life, including work performance and physical health, potentially saving money in the long run.
Stigma
Then there’s the stigma. Many people worry, “What will others think if they find out if I’m seeking therapy?” Once you open up, you might find that many people in your circle have sought therapy at some point. Counseling is increasingly recognized as a proactive and healthy way to manage life’s challenges, and most families, at one time or another, have turned to therapy for support.
Taking charge of your mental health shows self-awareness and a commitment to personal growth. Overcoming stigma often starts with reshaping your perspective; viewing therapy as a valuable tool for building a better life can help you feel more confident in your decision to seek help. And as more people normalize therapy, you may find yourself inspiring others to prioritize their mental health too.
Emotional Barriers: Vulnerability, Doubts, and Past Experiences
It’s common to feel hesitant when considering therapy, especially if emotional barriers are holding you back. These can include fears of being vulnerable, doubts about whether therapy will work, or lingering discomfort from past negative experiences.
Fear of Vulnerability
Opening up about your feelings and past experiences can be intimidating. You might think, “I’ve already dealt with it. I’ve closed that chapter.” But unresolved issues have a way of showing up in our lives, often in ways we don’t realize.
“Should I get therapy?” is a common question when facing this dilemma. For example, I’ve worked with clients who carried anxieties from childhood that affected their confidence in adulthood. By talking about these experiences in therapy, they were able to identify how past traumas were influencing their present lives and find ways to move forward.
Doubt About Effectiveness
“I’m not sure counseling will help me. My situation feels too complicated—or maybe it’s not a big enough deal.” These doubts are common, but therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a collaborative process, and finding the right therapist is key.
I encourage you to schedule a consultation—a 10- or 15-minute chat with a potential therapist—to discuss your concerns and determine if it feels like a good fit. Therapy can be incredibly effective, but it’s okay if the first therapist you meet isn’t the right one. You have the freedom to explore until you find someone who understands and supports you.
Negative Past Experiences
For some, a bad experience with therapy in the past creates hesitation to try again. I’ve heard people say, “I went to a therapist, and I felt worse.” Starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially after a negative experience. This can happen, especially in the early stages of therapy when you’re addressing difficult topics.
If you’ve had a negative experience, consider reaching out to that therapist for clarity or education about their approach. If that doesn’t resolve your concerns, seek another therapist. Remember, therapy is about finding the right fit for you.
Feeling Overwhelmed: Addressing Procrastination and Taking Small Steps
Overwhelm
Sometimes the idea of starting therapy feels overwhelming. There’s so much to unpack that even making the first appointment seems like a monumental task. It’s easy to feel paralyzed by the thought of facing everything at once, especially if you’re unsure where to begin or how to explain what you’re going through. “Does therapy work for everyone?” is a question many people ask, and the answer is that therapy works when it aligns with your personal needs and goals.
When this happens, I recommend breaking it down into tiny, manageable steps. Start with just one: make the appointment. Then focus on the next step: showing up. Once you’re there, simply share what’s on your mind—even if it feels scattered or incomplete. Your therapist’s role is to guide the process, helping you make sense of what’s weighing you down. Therapy doesn’t require you to have everything figured out—it’s a space to start untangling the knots with the support of a professional. By focusing on small steps, you’ll begin to feel less overwhelmed and more in control of your healing journey.
Procrastination
Procrastination is a big hurdle for many people. I’ll admit, I’m a proud member of the “Procrastination Club.” It’s human nature to delay something that feels uncomfortable or intimidating, even when we know it’s important.
I’ve learned, though, that moving past this tendency is about taking small, actionable steps and building momentum. If you’ve been putting off therapy, remind yourself that there’s no perfect time to start, life will always feel busy, and the timing may never feel ideal. But starting today, even with the smallest step, can set the stage for meaningful change. Think of it as planting a seed; over time, with care and attention, it will grow into something stronger and more fulfilling. Procrastination doesn’t have to hold you back when you commit to just one small action at a time.
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Reassurance and Support: What to Expect from Therapy
One common misconception is that therapy lasts forever. I’ve heard people say, “If I start counseling, I’ll be stuck going for years.” “Should I get therapy?” is a question that often comes with concerns about commitment. This isn’t true. Therapy is a flexible process tailored to your needs. It’s designed to meet you where you are and adapt as your needs evolve.
For some, a few sessions are enough to gain clarity and learn new skills to address a specific issue. Others may benefit from longer-term support, especially when working through complex challenges or trauma. The length of therapy depends entirely on your goals, progress, and comfort level. It’s okay to start small, reevaluate along the way, and even take breaks when you feel ready. Not ready for therapy is a common concern, but therapy is adaptable to your pace.
Therapy is also a space where you can return anytime. Think of it as a resource that’s always available, not a commitment you must maintain indefinitely. If life gets tough again, your therapist will be there to support you, offering guidance and helping you recalibrate. The ultimate goal of therapy is to empower you—to give you the tools and confidence to navigate life independently while knowing you always have a safe place to turn if you need it. Therapy isn’t a lifelong obligation; it’s a lifelong option.
Conclusion: Taking the First Step Toward Healing
So, why haven’t you started seeking therapy? What’s holding you back? Maybe it’s time to explore the reasons and consider how therapy might help.
Sometimes, simply showing up at a counselor’s office and starting the conversation is enough to reveal whether there’s something you want to address. “Should I get therapy?” is a valid question when considering your needs. Whether you’re dealing with betrayal trauma, navigating a difficult relationship, or simply feeling stuck, therapy can offer the support and guidance you need.
I work with individuals, couples, and groups to address challenges like sex addiction, betrayal trauma, and relational difficulties. If you’re ready to take that first step, I invite you to join one of my webinars, reach out for a consultation, or explore the therapy options available to you.
Remember, you don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. Taking the first step might feel daunting, but it’s also the most important one. Let’s take it together.