“Therapy isn’t right for me…”

There’s a big misnomer about therapy these days. One that we believe firmly is at the root of a lot of the untreated mental disorders, crises, and challenges that we’re facing on a global scale. See, it’s not that most people who are going through any number of mental troubles don’t seek the therapy that they need, it’s that they don’t find it.

Why? Well, for one, there’s so many types of therapy out there. Psycho-analysis, hypnotherapy, psychiatry, trauma therapy, etc, etc…

And frankly, what works for one person, might not be the therapy that works for you. But as anyone who’s gotten food poisoning from a restaurant will tell you, it only takes one bad experience to make you swear off something for life.

The music analogy

Do you like Jazz music?

Do you like Grunge?

Do you like Classical music?

You might answer “yes” to all the above questions, but you might answer, “no”, too.

Does that mean that you don’t like music - period? Of course not. Yet, that’s the experience many people have with therapy.

So, what happens is that you either never give it a try because you already have an idea of what you think therapy is.

Or you do give it a try, feel as if it’s not working, and then make the decision that therapy isn’t what’s going to help you with your problems.

Creating a new perception of what therapy “is”:

Each of us is like a unique puzzle, with our own experiences, coping styles, and challenges. So, it makes total sense that not every therapy will be a perfect match for everyone.

Like how some folks might click with cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) to tackle their anxiety, while others might feel more at home with acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) due to their individual thoughts and feelings.

Research has shown that certain therapies work better for specific mental health conditions. 

For example, cognitive therapy has been found to be a big help in dealing with depression, while exposure therapy shines in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

But it's not just about the therapy style; it's also about the connection you build with your therapist. The bond between you and your therapist, known as the therapeutic alliance, is pretty crucial.

Creating a human-to-human connection

Studies have found that a positive relationship with your therapist leads to better results. So, trying different therapists and finding the one you vibe with can make a huge difference in how therapy works for you.

Sometimes, starting therapy can be a bit nerve-wracking. It's totally normal to feel unsure or even sceptical at first. But don't let a little discomfort hold you back. Research shows that people who stick with therapy despite initial challenges end up reaping the most benefits in the long run.

The bottom line is that trying out different therapies can open up new doors and possibilities.

In fact, many of our Glimmer clients had dealt with the hassle of trying one therapy that just wasn’t for them, only for us to perfectly match them with the right system that met their needs.

Therapy is a journey, after all - just like mental wellness. You’re exploring various paths until you find the one that feels just right for you – like trying on different pairs of shoes until you discover the comfiest fit!

And what we do at Glimmer is extra special, because we put in the work and analysis needed to match you with the best possible therapy from the get-go - like tailor-made rather than off the shelf, if you know what we mean 😊.

So, take your time, be open-minded, and don't rush it. Trying different therapies can help you make an informed decision and find the therapy that suits you best. It's all about finding that sweet spot where you feel heard, understood, and supported on your journey to better mental well-being.