Do You Need Help? Do It Right.
Do You Need Help?
Deciding to reach out for professional help is a big decision, and I know it’s not one you take lightly. In fact, if you’re like most people you’ve probably been working for a long time to NOT get involved in Therapy, Marriage Counseling, or Life Coaching, and instead been doing everything you can think of to help yourself: reading books, trying different things, and seeking advice from friends.
But there comes a point where you’ve done everything that you know how to do on your own and you just feel stuck. The things you’re trying to do just aren’t working (or, not for long anyway). Or maybe you’ve had people encouraging you to “talk to someone.”
Maybe you’ve been inspired by someone else’s successful work in counseling or coaching and are hopeful that you could get good results too – you can feel happy, again. But where do you even start in finding the right person? The sheer volume of options you have can be overwhelming.
So now you’re cruising around therapist’s websites and self-help blogs, looking for direction. Welcome. I’m glad you’ve found this post. I’m glad you’re doing your research. Because, in my opinion, one of the worst things that can happen is for someone to take such a risk and finally reach out for help… only to connect with the wrong person.
When It’s Time to Get Help, What’s Worse Than Not Getting Help? Reaching Out to the Wrong Person.
It happens. Too often, actually. And the outcomes can be worse than not getting help at all. When people muster up their courage, know that it’s time to get help, and finally reach out only to have an (at best) unhelpful or (at worst) bad experience, it has negative consequences. Not just because they didn’t get the help they were looking for, but because it may lead them to believe that there is no help for them.
Even more tragically, many couples seek counseling from a person who isn’t qualified, and then when couples counseling isn’t successful they think that their relationship can’t be repaired (and subsequently get divorced). Yet another reason when it’s time to get help is why finding the right kind of help is extremely important.
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You Don’t Go to a Cardiologist for a Broken Leg, Either.
I think one reason for this is that there is a big gap between the kind of help people really need, and the kind that they think they need. Frankly the alphabet soup of credentials, degrees, and specialities is confusing. It’s hard to know who’s who, and what’s what.
I have people from all over reach out to me asking questions and advice. (Do you have a question for me to answer on my blog or podcast? I’d love to hear from you: email me.) Recently I’ve had several people get in touch with me asking for help in how to manage pretty major issues — major depressive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse problems. Many of these questions would end with something along the lines of, “Yeah, so I was thinking it might be time for me to see a life coach…” Life Coach! Really??
It’s becoming increasingly clear to me that many people don’t understand the difference between a life coach and a therapist, what kind of help is appropriate for certain issues, or how to get connected with the right person to solve a particular problem.
Knowledge Is Power
So on this edition of the Love, Happiness and Success Podcast, I’m here to help you understand what your options for help are, when NOT to go to a life coach, when life coaching is a great choice, what kind of therapist can help you fix your relationship (and who can’t), where to go for medication, and how to get connected with a good, caring (and qualified!) therapist in your area. I’m throwing in some emergency resources too, just for good measure.
Hope it helps you find your way.
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Do You Need Help? Do It Right.
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Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby is a licensed psychologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, board-certified coach, AAMFT clinical supervisor, host of the Love, Happiness, and Success Podcast and founder of Growing Self.
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Our expert therapists have generously created an entire library of articles, activities, and podcasts to support you on your journey of growth. Please visit our “Happiness Collections” to browse our content collections, and take advantage of all the free resources we have for you. Or, if you’d like to educate yourself about the process and logistics of therapy, please help yourself to our “therapy questions” knowledge base below. It’s all for you!
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What is Therapy Like?
What is therapy like? Learn what happens in therapy in order to feel empowered and confident.
What Kind of Therapist Do I Need?
There are many different kinds of therapists and many different types of therapy. What kind of therapist do you need? Find out!
What To Talk About in Therapy
Not sure what to talk about in therapy? Here are some tips to ensure you get the most out of your therapy sessions.
Therapy Consultation: What to Expect
How to prepare for your first therapy appointment, and learn what to expect in therapy sessions.
Coaching vs Therapy
What’s the difference between coaching and therapy? Find out which approach is right for you.
What is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is the “gold-standard” of effective, evidence-based therapy. Learn about CBT.
What is Talk Therapy?
How does talking about something help you make changes? Or… does it? Learn the pros and cons of traditional talk therapy.
Why Evidence-Based Therapy Matters
Effective therapy is life-changing, but some therapy is a waste of time and money. Evidence-based therapy makes the difference.
How to Find a (Good) Therapist
Not all therapists are the same. Learn how to find a good therapist (and spot the warning signs of a bad one).
Therapy For Healthy Relationships
Working with a true relationship expert helps you learn, grow, love, and be loved.
Learn about our approach to helping you build healthy relationships.
Guide to Online Therapy
Online therapy is just as effective but even easier than in person therapy. Here’s what to expect from good online therapy.
Denver Therapist
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How to Get a Therapist
Ready to try therapy? Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get a therapist who is competent to help you.
Therapy Reviews
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How Much Does Therapy Cost?
Good therapy is priceless, but not all therapy is valuable. Learn the cost of therapy that’s affordable and effective.
Does Insurance Cover Therapy?
Yes, insurance covers therapy… but only sometimes. Learn when (and how) health insurance covers therapy, and when it doesn’t.
Help Someone Get Help
If you have a loved one who is struggling in their relationship, you can help them get help by “gifting” therapy. Here’s how…
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Losing a relationship is uniquely painful and challenging. With the right support, you can heal, grow, and move forward. Learn about our divorce and breakup recovery services.
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