FAQs about Therapy & Counseling Services

I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

It’s a common misconception that seeking therapy is a sign of weakness, but in reality, it takes great strength and courage to ask for help. Therapy is not about being "weak"; it's about taking proactive steps to improve your mental health and well-being. Everyone faces challenges in life, and just like we seek medical care for physical health, therapy provides essential support for emotional and mental health. It’s a tool for growth, self-awareness, and resilience. Many people, including successful individuals, turn to therapy to gain perspective, process emotions, and develop healthier coping strategies. Seeking support is actually a powerful way to handle life’s difficulties, not a sign of weakness. 

What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

Talking to a friend and talking to a therapist both offer support, but there are key differences in terms of approach, training, and the type of help they provide:

1. Training and Expertise: Therapists are licensed professionals with extensive training in mental health. They are skilled in understanding psychological issues and using evidence-based therapeutic techniques to help you address emotional challenges. While friends can offer empathy and understanding, they typically don't have the professional knowledge or tools that therapists do.

2. Objectivity: A therapist provides an unbiased, objective perspective. They are trained to help you explore your feelings and thoughts without personal involvement or judgment. A friend, on the other hand, might offer advice based on their own experiences, and their emotional connection to you can sometimes make them less objective.

3. Confidentiality: Therapy offers a safe, confidential space where what you share is protected by privacy laws (unless there is risk of harm). While friends can offer support, they may not have the same level of confidentiality and might share what you say with others unintentionally.

4. Focus on Healing: Therapists are focused on helping you understand and work through your problems in a structured way. They use specific techniques to address issues like anxiety, depression, or trauma. While friends can provide emotional support, they might not have the training to help you work through deeper emotional or mental health issues.

5. Emotional Support vs. Professional Guidance: Friends are great for offering empathy and comfort during tough times. However, therapists provide professional guidance to help you cope with and heal from emotional distress in a constructive way. Therapy can help you develop long-term strategies for handling challenges, rather than just offering immediate emotional support.

In summary, while friends are valuable for providing support and connection, therapists offer specialized, professional help that can guide you through difficult emotions, provide structure for personal growth, and offer coping strategies that friends might not be equipped to provide.

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

Therapy offers unique benefits that medication alone may not provide. Here's why you might consider combining therapy with medication or, in some cases, choosing therapy first:

1. Addressing the Root Causes: Medication can help manage symptoms, but therapy works to address the underlying causes of emotional or mental health issues. Through therapy, you can explore the root of your challenges, such as past trauma, negative thought patterns, or life stressors, and work on long-term strategies for emotional well-being.

2. Skill Development: Therapy teaches coping mechanisms and life skills that help you handle future challenges. Techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness can help you reframe negative thoughts, regulate emotions, and manage stress, providing you with tools that medication can't offer on its own.

3. Personal Growth: Therapy fosters self-awareness and emotional intelligence. By working with a therapist, you can gain insights into your behaviors, thoughts, and emotions, which helps with personal growth and creating healthier patterns. Medication might alleviate symptoms, but it doesn't necessarily lead to the deeper self-understanding that therapy can provide.

4. Long-Term Benefits: While medication may offer quick relief, therapy has the potential to bring long-term improvements by helping you develop healthier habits, manage emotions, and process past experiences. Therapy can create lasting change by helping you build resilience, rather than just masking symptoms.

5. Reducing Dependence on Medication: Over time, therapy can reduce your need for medication or help you manage it in conjunction with a healthier lifestyle. For some people, therapy alone may be enough to manage symptoms, or it may help them gradually reduce their reliance on medication as they learn to cope more effectively.

6. Holistic Treatment: Therapy addresses the emotional, psychological, and behavioral aspects of mental health, which medication doesn’t target. It takes a more holistic approach by improving your mental well-being through discussion, exploration, and behavioral changes.

7. Individualized Support: Therapy provides personalized, one-on-one support from a trained professional who can tailor interventions to your unique needs and goals. This individualized approach can make therapy more effective in treating the whole person, rather than just alleviating symptoms.

In many cases, the most effective treatment involves both medication and therapy, as they complement each other. Medication can stabilize your mood or reduce symptoms, allowing you to fully engage in the healing process through therapy, where you can work on deeper emotional issues and long-term well-being. It's important to discuss your options with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for you.

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Because each person has different issues and goals for counseling, it will be different depending on the individual. Your therapist will tailor their approach to your specific needs.

How long will it take?

The length of therapy varies depending on several factors, including the nature of the issue you're addressing, the type of therapy being used, your personal goals, and your progress.

I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?

Active participation and dedication will be crucial to your success.

What are some of the services you provide for counseling or therapy?

• Anxiety therapy in Boulder or virtual
• Depression therapy in Boulder or virtual
• Grief therapy in Boulder or virtual
• Teen therapy in Boulder or virtual
• Young adult therapy in Boulder or virtual
• Life transitions therapy in Boulder or virtual
• Men’s issues therapy in Boulder or virtual
• Perfectionism therapy in Boulder or virtual
• Relationship issues therapy in Boulder or virtual
• Highly sensitive people therapy in Boulder or virtual
• LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy in Boulder or virtual
• ADHD counseling in Boulder or Virtual
• Telehealth therapy 
• Counseling for trauma in Boulder or virtual
• Women’s issues therapy in Boulder or virtual
• Mental health services in Boulder or virtual

Looking for therapy and counseling in Colorado? Get all your questions answered by Stride Forward Counseling Colorado. Call today to learn more and schedule an appointment.