By: Quique Autrey, LPC Intern
Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S
Many people choose not to see a therapist because they believe they can receive the same benefits from talking to a friend. Since therapy requires commitment, talking to a friend about your issues can feel like the better option. Especially during a specific situation! However, before you opt out of therapy consider some of the reasons why therapy is different and sometimes better.
Therapists are Trained Professionals
Therapists in Texas undergo years of rigorous schooling, training and supervision before they can practice. A licensed therapist in Texas needs to complete a Master’s degree that includes courses on psychological development, family dynamics, addiction, human sexuality and many other relevant subjects. You may have friends who are familiar with these topics, but it is unlikely they have graduate level training in these fields.
Therapists are also trained to listen and have expertise around the process of encouraging self-awareness and personal growth. Your friend may be a good listener, but odds are he/she is used to giving advice.Therapists do not give advice; they guide the client through a process of gaining insight and making decisions for themselves.
Therapists Strive to Be Neutral
Your friends are rarely objective or neutral about important personal matters. They are not supposed to be. An ideal friend is one who is deeply invested in the shape of your life. They have beliefs, opinions and a significant stake in your decisions. An objective or neutral friend would not be a very good friend at all.
Therapists care deeply about their clients, but they are not invested in their lives like a friend would be. We promote the physical and emotional well-being of clients at all times; we do not impose our values on clients or suggest specific courses of action. We listen, provide feedback and encourage clients to pursue their own chosen goals.
Even the best of friends can be judgmental or enabling of unhealthy patterns. We seek to be nonjudgmental while helping you return to your professed values.
Therapists are Confidential
Therapists work hard to foster a safe, confidential space where clients can reveal and explore the parts of themselves they would hesitate to share with anyone else. When a client experiences an identity crisis or marital struggles, he/she may not feel comfortable sharing those realities with anyone they interact with in daily life. Most of us have revealed an intimate part of our life and then heard about it from someone we did not originally share it with.
Therapists are legally and ethically bound to protect their client’s confidentiality. Sometimes we need a person, outside our usual circle of friends, to empathize with us and help us process our struggles. If you are looking for a competent and objective individual who will protect your privacy at all costs, you might consider reaching out to a therapist.
Start Therapy in Katy, TX
Starting therapy can be scary, but just like you have friends who are there for you, a therapist is too! We strive to be there in the darkest of times to ensure we get you to a place you wish to be in. If you are interested in starting therapy, follow these steps:
- Reach out to us through calling or filling out our contact form to schedue your first appointment.
- Get to know your caring online therapist.
- Begin your journey to a happy life!
Other Mental Health Services Offered at Barton Counseling Services in Katy, TX
In addition to online therapy, many other services are provided in the Katy area. Melissa also sees clients in office, if you are comfortable doing so. The offices are sanitized and have a low traffic flow. To address any issues your family could be experiencing, we offer family therapy. Barton Counseling Services offers counseling for teens and for young adults. Melissa also provides anxiety counseling, depression counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy. Additionally, Barton Counseling Services provides supervision for LPC Interns. Contact the office to find out information on the ways that Melissa can assist you in your path to happiness.
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