The Importance of Committing to Therapy for High Achievers Part 2
Beginning therapy can be a difficult process, as it takes time and effort to adjust to talking openly and honestly with a therapist. It can feel slow and uncertain at first, but the importance of commitment cannot be underestimated. With consistent effort and dedication, the rewards of therapy are undeniable.
Benefits of therapy for busy students and high achievers
You all are always on the go. Between work, school, personal development, friendships, family, and everything in between, when do you have time for yourself? You may view therapy as just one more thing that you have to add to your schedule, but I encourage you to reframe that. This is the time you are investing in yourself.
Therapy can have a great impact on your mental health and overall well-being, making it easier to tackle all of life’s other challenges. Therapy can help you manage stress and anxiety in constructive ways. You might be able to gain insight into why you feel anxious or overwhelmed and learn healthy coping strategies for addressing these feelings. You will also likely have a safe space to process strong emotions, such as anger or sadness.
Counseling can help you develop healthy relationships with yourself, your peers, and your loved ones. You can learn how to communicate effectively and understand others’ perspectives better. Additionally, you might gain insight into how to make better decisions and understand yourself on a deeper level.
Finally, therapy can help you reach your life goals. You can identify and overcome obstacles, stay focused on the present, and develop a plan of action for reaching success. You can gain insight into how your past experiences have shaped you and how to use the lessons learned to create a brighter future.
Reasons It Can Be Difficult to Commit to Therapy
Time Constraints
That is the name of the game. I get it, we just never have enough time. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and put your mental health on the back burner. You might even view therapy as a luxury you can’t afford.
Financial Stressors
Money can be tight, especially as a student. Paying for therapy might not be feasible or even possible if you are on a limited budget. That is where again, therapy may feel like a luxury, but here at Aspire Counseling, we care about your commitment to therapy. We offer sliding scale options and intern rates at a limited capacity and provisionally licensed clinicians. Go ahead and ask, you never know what we can do to help you if you don't try and ask.
Fear or Feelings of Vulnerability
It can be scary to open up and talk about your pain, fears, and struggles. It can also be uncomfortable to feel vulnerable with a complete stranger. I mean how are you just supposed to divulge personal and private information to a therapist and hope that they have the skills to understand, empathize, and approach with care? It is possible but it takes a few sessions and the right therapist to get there. That's why we believe in getting to know you. It's up to you when you want to get deeper. We may encourage you to go deeper, but you have control on what you disclose and how therapy goes.
Feeling Like You Don’t Need Help
This one resonates on a deep level. We have that strong woman, strong black woman, strong individual type. It's hard to overcome. For some of us, its related to our attachment and not having security in our relationships now or growing up. For others, it's just not easy to ask for help because when you do, you are hurt or disappointed. I've been there. It's not easy to begin working through that, especially if you believe that this defense is more helpful than hurtful.
However, it is possible and I’m here to let you know that you don’t have to go through this alone. You are valued, you are loved and therapy is an opportunity to create change. I want to leave you with a few tips that have helped me make therapy a part of my life.
Ways to Make Therapy More Accessible and Easier to Commit To
Find a Therapist Who Understands Your Lifestyle
It’s important to find a therapist who understands your lifestyle and can work around it. Ask if they offer telehealth services or have flexible scheduling that fits your needs. How does one do this, ask around, do your research, and get an understanding of what you need and what you don't? I recommend doing voice memos, bullet points, or journalling to give you guidance.
Take Time for Reflection and Processing Prior to Sessions
Take some time to reflect on the questions you have for your therapist or any thoughts that have come up since your last session. This will help you maximize the time spent in sessions and ensure that all of your questions are addressed.
Make Connections With Your Therapist
It can take time to build a connection with your therapist. Make sure you’re honest and open about your experiences and feelings so that they can better help you. If you are unsure what you can ask your therapist, take a look at this blog written by one of our very own therapists.
Use Teletherapy or Online Services If Available
Many therapists offer teletherapy or online counseling services these days. This makes it easier to access a therapist from the comfort of your home. Teletherapy can offer ways to stay connected even when you’re not able to meet in person making therapy more accessible than it used to be. Furthermore, you can see a specialist this way. For example, in Mid Missouri where our primary off is, we don’t have many IFS therapists so we’re able to refer people looking for Internal Family Systems therapy for a great IFS therapist in St. Louis for online IFS counseling. We couldn’t have done that just a few years ago. Or I’m able to offer counseling online to teen athletes from more rural high schools in Missouri who may not have local therapists that work with many athletes and understand the unique stressors and pressures athletes face. At Aspire Counseling, we offer very specialized and evidence based treatment for OCD called Exposure & Response Prevention that can be hard to find and is extremely effective online so we work with people from all over Missouri looking for OCD treatment using telehealth. Or, our intense focus on evidence based PTSD treatment methods has also had people through the state of Missouri reaching out for online counseling with our specialized PTSD therapists.
The point is this, online counseling and online therapy opens doors. Research now shows us it can be very effective so it’s worth considering as an option when you’re thinking about how best to get your mental health needs met.
Set Realistic Goals
It is important to set realistic goals for yourself during the therapy process. Have an understanding of what you want to achieve and how long it will take to get there. Set milestones and mini-goals throughout the process, so you can track your progress. Don't expect to feel better in 3 sessions. Think about it this way, likely, you didn't start dealing with burnout, anxiety, depression, trauma, and life changes suddenly.
For some of the issues, it was sudden, and for others, it came upon you gradually until you realized that something wasn't working. With that in mind, realize that undoing what has been done will take some work and some time. This isn't meant to discourage, you but to help you set realistic goals and timelines.
Find Ways to Celebrate Small Victories
Acknowledge the small wins along your journey and that you are on a path to healing. Celebrate the moments when you feel more connected to your emotions, more confident in making decisions, and stronger in the face of stress.
Wrap-Up
Therapy can be an incredibly beneficial tool for busy students and high achievers. By committing to therapy, you are investing in yourself and your mental health. This can help bring clarity to your decision-making, increase productivity and motivation, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. Additionally, it can help you to develop positive coping strategies and work on your self-esteem. Committing to therapy can be daunting, but with the right tips and support, you can make the most out of it.
Therapy can be an investment in yourself that pays off immensely. It is a safe space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and emotions and to develop coping skills that can help you throughout your life. It is an opportunity to focus on yourself and prioritize your mental well-being. Just as you would invest in a hobby, sport, or education, invest in your emotional health and make the commitment to therapy. You will be thankful that you did.
Begin Therapy at Aspire Counseling in Mid-MO
Take the first step today and reach out to Aspire Counseling for the support! Our offices in Columbia, MO, and Lee Summit are here to help, or we can provide virtual counseling for anyone in the state of Missouri. Contact us now and speak with our client care coordinator to begin your journey toward healing and empowerment. Make the choice to take control of your life today!
Other Services Available:
If you are looking for more guidance regarding therapy, here are some resources that may be helpful:
-Psychology Today: This website provides detailed information about different types of therapy, including a list of therapists in your area.
-Help Guide: This online resource provides comprehensive information on mental health topics and offers suggestions on how to cope with various emotions.
-American Psychological Association: The APA provides resources, research, and information about psychology-related topics.
References:
1. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “Finding the Right Therapist for You.” NAMI, https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/Living-with-a-Mental-Health-Condition/Finding-the-Right-Therapist
2. American Psychological Association (APA). “When to Seek Professional Help.” APA, https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/when-to-seek
3. U.S Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). “Telehealth Services: What You Need to Know About Mental Health Care.” VA, https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/patients/telehealth-services/
4. National Institutes of Health (NIH). “How to Find a Therapist and Make the Most of Your Sessions.” NIH, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help/how-to-find-a-therapist.shtml
5. Mental Health America (MHA). “How to Find the Right Therapist for You.” MHA, https://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/finding-right-therapist
-for-you
6. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). “Making the Most of Therapy.” NIM
About the Author
Jasmine, a Master's Level Counselor at Aspire Counseling, believes that therapy can be an invaluable tool for those who are struggling. She specializes in working with high achievers, athletes, anxious individuals, trauma survivors, disordered eating sufferers, and people with body image issues. Her particular area of interest is supporting the BIPOC, Black, Neurodivergent (ADHD, ADD, HSP), and Adopted communities. Starting therapy may be scary, but Jasmine is here to make sure that those who reach out find a safe place in which they can feel comfortable and supported. With the right fit, therapy can be a life-changing experience.