7 Valid Reasons People Choose to Begin Therapy

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More than one in five U.S. adults—around 59 million people— experience challenges with their mental health today, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. And millions more are struggling with a mental illness silently, unsure of when—or whether—they should reach out for help.

Despite how common emotional and psychological challenges have become, stigma around therapy still lingers. If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone. Reaching out takes courage.

And in reality, therapy isn’t just to treat mental health conditions. It can also help you gain insight, improve relationships, manage stress, and create lasting emotional resilience. Whether you’re overwhelmed or just curious about how talking might help, this list will walk you through seven valid, relatable reasons to seek therapy.

It might just help you figure out if it’s the right time for you, too.

7 Reasons Why People Seek Therapy

Deciding to talk with a therapist is a personal journey, and people come to therapy for many different reasons. Here are some:

Women looking online for a therapist

1. Feeling Overwhelmed by Stress or Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can build slowly, until one day it feels like your nervous system is stuck in overdrive. You might notice that your chest feels tight, your thoughts are racing, and even the smallest tasks take tremendous effort. Things that used to feel manageable—work emails, parenting, social plans—start to feel like too much.

Maybe you lie awake at night rethinking your day or worrying about things you can’t control. You might find yourself withdrawing from people, snapping more easily, or avoiding things altogether. Therapy can help you slow down, understand the sources of your anxiety, and learn ways to ease that internal tension—so you can function more fully again.

2. Struggling with Sadness or Depression

Not all sadness is depression, but when that heavy feeling stays for weeks—or months—it can be hard to find your way out of it alone. You might feel like you’re moving through life in a fog, losing interest in things that once brought joy. It might feel impossible to explain what’s wrong, even when people around you ask.

There may be moments where you feel nothing at all, or moments where even small disappointments feel unbearable. You’re not alone in feeling this way, and it doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. Talking with a therapist can help you explore the deeper layers of what you’re feeling and give you space to process your emotions without pressure or judgment.

3. Navigating Major Life Changes or Transitions

Big life shifts—even the positive ones—can shake up our sense of stability. Maybe you’ve recently ended a relationship, changed careers, lost a loved one, or become a parent. These transitions often bring unexpected emotional distress: grief, fear, regret, even guilt for not feeling “happy enough” when you think you should.

Therapy can help you sort through what’s surfacing in times of change. It provides a steady, grounded space to reflect, grieve, and reimagine what comes next. You don’t have to have everything figured out—therapy can meet you exactly where you are and walk with you through the uncertainty.

4. Wanting Healthier Relationships

Many people come to therapy because something feels “off” in their relationships—whether with a partner, family member, friend, or even a co-worker. You might feel stuck in repeating patterns, like people-pleasing, constant conflict, or shutting down during emotional conversations.

Sometimes it’s hard to name exactly what’s wrong, but you know you're not feeling heard, respected, or connected. A family therapy can help you and your love ones understand how your past experiences shape your present dynamics. You’ll learn setting boundaries, improving communication skills, and building relationships that feel more authentic, safe, and fulfilling.

5. Processing Trauma or Painful Experiences

Whether it was a single distressing event or something that happened over time, trauma can leave deep marks. You might find yourself reliving the past, feeling hyperaware or emotionally numb, or reacting strongly to things that others don’t seem to notice.

Sometimes trauma shows up in the body before the mind fully understands it—tightness in the chest, panic without a clear cause, feeling disconnected from your surroundings and other chronic illnesses. Therapy provides a place to gently process these experiences at your own pace, with support that’s grounded in safety and trust.

6. Feeling Stuck or Lost in Life

There are times when nothing is “technically wrong,” but life just feels stagnant. Maybe you’ve been moving through the motions—work, relationships, daily routines—without a sense of purpose or connection. You might ask yourself, “What’s the point?” or “Is this really all there is?”

These questions are more common than many people realize. Therapy can offer a space to reflect deeply, explore what matters to you, and consider new paths forward. You don’t need to have a crisis to want more from life. Seeking clarity and meaning is a valid reason to reach out.

7. Wanting Personal Growth or to Know Yourself Better

Not all therapy begins with a problem, much like visits to medical doctors. Sometimes, people seek therapy simply to better understand themselves—why they think the way they do, how their past has shaped them, and what they truly want out of life.

You may notice patterns in how you react to stress, choose partners, or see yourself—and feel curious about where those patterns come from. Therapy is a space for that curiosity. It's not just about symptom relief, but also about self-discovery, emotional well-being, growth, and becoming more grounded in who you are.

Here's How Mental Health Professional Services Can Help

Here are some of the ways therapists help their clients based on who is it for and the modalities:

Antieau & Co's Therapists

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy offers a private, one-on-one space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences at your own pace. Whether you're managing anxiety, grief, burnout, or just feeling stuck, this form of therapy helps you gain insight into your inner world. Over time, it helps identify patterns, reframe negative thoughts, and learn coping strategies that support emotional resilience.

Therapists in individual sessions adapt their approach to meet your needs—whether that’s offering deep reflection, teaching skills, or simply listening with compassion.

Couples Therapy

Relationships are complex, and even strong partnerships can face tension, miscommunication, or emotional distance. Couples therapy provides a safe environment where both partners can speak honestly and listen actively, with the help of a neutral, trained therapist.

This kind of therapy helps uncover the dynamics at play—unspoken expectations, old wounds, differing needs—and creates space for empathy, clarity, and repair.

Adolescent Therapy

Teenagers today face a world full of pressure—from school and social media to identity and mental health struggles. Adolescent therapy gives teens a supportive space where they can talk freely without fear of being judged, misunderstood, or "fixed."

Therapists trained to work with adolescents build trust gradually and meet them where they are emotionally. Sessions involve exploring mood changes, anxiety, family conflict, or self-esteem issues.

Parenting Therapy

Parenting therapy supports caregivers who are navigating the challenges of raising children—especially when emotions, behaviors, or family dynamics feel overwhelming. Whether you're co-parenting, handling a child's diagnosis, or just trying to stay calm during tantrums, therapy can help you feel more equipped and less alone.

In these sessions, therapists help parents reflect on their own upbringing, explore triggers, and develop compassionate strategies to guide their children.

What is a Modality/Approach?

causal therapy session

Psychedelic Integration Therapy

Psychedelic experiences—whether from plant medicines or clinical settings—can be profound, but they often leave people unsure how to make sense of what they've felt or seen. Psychedelic integration therapy provides a grounded, nonjudgmental space to process those experiences.

Therapists help clients unpack the emotional, spiritual, and cognitive impact of a journey. This support is crucial for integrating insights into everyday life, especially if the experience surfaced past trauma or strong emotions.

Somatic Therapy

Somatic therapy recognizes that emotional pain—and even symptoms of mental health disorders—often live in the body, not just in thoughts. People with trauma, chronic stress, or anxiety might notice tension, chronic pain, restlessness, or shutdown responses that don’t go away with talk therapy alone.

Somatic approaches guide clients in tuning into body sensations, breath, posture, and movement. The goal is not just to “feel better” emotionally but to feel safer in your body.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a structured, evidence-based therapy focused on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and actively changing them. It’s especially effective for mental health problems that comes from anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, and stress-related issues.

You work with your therapist to track specific thoughts, explore how they influence your emotions and actions, and replace them with more realistic, empowering alternatives. It’s a collaborative and practical approach that builds self-awareness and emotional health.

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT helps you shift your relationship with difficult thoughts and emotions—not by avoiding or changing them, but by learning to accept their presence and still move in the direction of your values. It’s especially useful for people feeling stuck in cycles of avoidance or perfectionism.

ACT teaches mindfulness techniques alongside reflection on what truly matters to you. Instead of trying to control pain, you learn to make room for it—while taking committed steps toward the kind of life you want.

FAQs

1. Why would people refuse to see a therapist?

There are many reasons someone might hesitate. Some worry it means they’re “broken” or fear being judged. Others grew up in environments where emotional struggles were dismissed or kept private. For some, it’s simply hard to trust someone. 

Sad man refusing to get help

The truth is, avoiding therapy doesn’t mean someone isn’t struggling—it often means they’ve learned coping skills silently. Building comfort with the idea of therapy can take time. Sometimes, just normalizing the conversation is a powerful first step.

2. Why is therapy effective?

Therapy creates a space where you’re truly heard—without judgment, advice, or interruption. Therapists are trained to help you more clearly explore your thoughts, feelings, and patterns. 

You gain tools to regulate your emotions, navigate relationships, and face challenges with more steadiness. Unlike advice from friends or self-help tips, therapy is personalized. Mental health services are collaborative, intentional, and paced according to your needs—making it deeply effective over time.

3. Is therapy better in person?

A talk therapy allows for deeper nonverbal connection—body language, eye contact, even the rhythm of breathing can influence the sense of safety and presence. Being in the same room can foster a grounding atmosphere that’s harder to replicate online. 

That said, many people thrive in virtual sessions too. It really depends on what helps you feel most comfortable and supported. The most important thing is access to care that feels right for you.

4. Why would someone tell me I need therapy?

It can feel uncomfortable when someone suggests therapy—but often, it comes from a place of care. They might notice that you're overwhelmed, withdrawing, or struggling in ways that are hard to carry alone. 

Therapy isn’t a trial—it’s a support system. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from it. Think of it like seeing a doctor for your physical health—therapy is just one way to tend to your emotional and mental well-being.

Final Thoughts

Therapy isn't just for serious illnesses—it's a powerful tool for self-awareness, healing, and personal growth. 

Our team of licensed professional counselors work closely with your primary care physicians and medication specialists to ensure you receive the most comprehensive care possible. Our goal is to bring a human-centered approach to medication consultation and management, supporting you every step of the way on your journey.

Take the first step and let us help you gain clarity, develop resilience, and make meaningful progress in their lives.