When it is suggested that someone might want to seek therapy for their problems, the most common response is, “What good is it going to do me to sit down and talk to a therapist?” Well that’s a good question.

Talking to a therapist will not remove your pain or change unhappy events from the past. A therapist cannot change the other people in her life. It also can’t tell you how to change them.

Therapy can and will provide a safe environment to vent your anger and say the things you need to say. It is safe because you will be given the right to confidentiality and unconditional positive regard.

Your therapist will be a supportive listener. Someone who can help you see your problems from different perspectives. Someone with whom you can exchange ideas to define and solve dilemmas. Talking with a therapist helps you better understand your behaviors and emotions. Which will help you make changes in real life. You may have some good suggestions on how to make those changes and implement them in your life. Working with a therapist can help you develop new coping skills, which improve your ability to deal with life’s difficulties. While you’re just sitting down to talk, you may be educating yourself well on life skills that will help you develop more effective communication, better problem-solving skills, and better impulse control. He/she may also be able to advise you on how to find other services that he/she may need.

Therapy can help you make changes in the way you function and the way you feel. It cannot create an instant change in you or for you. However, it can be a great place to do the hard, dedicated work that is required for personal change.