The Importance of Therapy

 Therapy is one of the most transformative tools for self-discovery, healing, and personal growth. Despite its proven benefits, many people remain hesitant or skeptical about seeking counseling. Often, this hesitation comes from misconceptions, fear, or societal stigma. For some, the idea of sharing deeply personal struggles with a stranger feels intimidating. Others worry about being judged or labeled. Sadly, many still perceive therapy as a sign of weakness—especially men, who are often taught to suppress emotions and “tough it out.”

The truth is that seeking therapy is one of the strongest things you can do for yourself. Counselors don’t exist to judge you or tell you how to live your life. They are there to guide you through the challenges you haven’t been able to process on your own, whether that’s grief, anxiety, trauma, relationship struggles, or something else entirely. Therapy creates a space where you can safely explore the parts of yourself that feel too heavy to carry alone.

My own journey with therapy has been far from straightforward, but it’s taught me the importance of perseverance and finding the right fit. Over the years, I’ve been to several counselors. Some of them were great, and I immediately clicked with them, while others left me feeling unseen. A few even said things like, “Oh, you’re alright! You’ve got it figured out! This isn’t bothering you as much as you think it is!” That kind of dismissal was frustrating because if it truly wasn’t bothering me, I wouldn’t have been in therapy to begin with.

I also had counselors who seemed fascinated by how I processed things. I’ll never forget when one of them said, “Oh wow, you really make me think. I just love your mind.” While flattering in some ways, comments like this made me feel like I wasn’t being helped in the way I needed. I wasn’t there to impress anyone or to have my thoughts admired—I was there because I needed guidance and healing. Those experiences were a reminder that therapy is about me and what I need, and if a counselor wasn’t providing that, it was okay to move on.

Eventually, I found a counselor who truly understood me. They didn’t just admire how I thought—they helped me uncover and work through what was holding me back. They created a space where I felt safe, validated, and supported, and that made all the difference. For that, I am endlessly grateful.

Through therapy, I learned that counseling isn’t just a quick fix or a place to say what you think your counselor wants to hear. It’s an active process, and it requires honesty—both with yourself and with your counselor. Anything less is a disservice to the healing you’re seeking. Therapy works best when you open yourself up to the process, even when it feels uncomfortable or scary.

Finding the right counselor can take time, and that’s okay. Not every counselor will be the right fit for you, and that’s perfectly normal. Therapy is a deeply personal experience, and it’s important to feel comfortable with the person you’re working with. If you don’t click with your counselor, don’t be afraid to try someone else. It’s not about their abilities or your willingness—it’s about finding the right connection.

The most important step in this journey is acknowledging that you need help. That first step, though it might feel small, is monumental. It takes courage to admit you’re struggling and even more courage to take action. But once you do, therapy can unlock doors to healing you didn’t even know existed. You might uncover parts of yourself that you’ve buried or forgotten, and you might finally begin to heal wounds you’ve carried for far too long.

Therapy isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s an act of strength, self-awareness, and bravery. It’s a testament to your desire to grow, to heal, and to create a better version of yourself. If you’re considering therapy, know that the process might not always be easy, but it will be worth it. The journey of finding the right counselor and committing to your growth is one of the most powerful gifts you can give yourself. You are worthy of healing, and you are capable of creating the life you want—one step, one session, one breakthrough at a time.

Payton Blackwood