Should I have therapy?

This is one of the most common questions people ask me as a therapist. My response often starts with a simple analogy:If your chest hurt, would you go to the doctor? If your knee kept giving way, would you see a physiotherapist? Most people reply with an obvious, Yes, of course. To which I say, Then yes, therapy is just as essential.

Our mental health is just as important as our physical health. If your mind isn’t in a good place, it impacts everything—your body, your relationships, and your ability to thrive. Therapy is the care your mind deserves.

But what about the people who aren’t in crisis or struggling with a specific issue? What if you feel generally okay but find yourself curious about therapy—drawn to it because of a desire for self-discovery, personal growth, or even just clarity in life?

This group often sits in what I call the “therapy echo chamber,” surrounded by modern buzzwords like self-care, personal growth, and self-discovery. These terms dominate conversations about wellness, dripping into our daily routines and creating the question: Do I need therapy even if there’s no big problem?

I’ve been in that space myself. No glaring issue—just an insatiable curiosity about who I was and who I could be. It’s a bit like contemplating Botox:Should I? Shouldn’t I? Will it change me? Will people notice?

If you find yourself wondering whether therapy is right for you, here’s what you need to know.

What Therapy Really Feels Like

Therapy isn’t just about talking—it’s about transformation. Here are some truths about what you might experience:

Therapy is hard-hitting.

Especially in the beginning. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that can bring laughter, tears, sadness, and joy—sometimes all in the same session. The question is: Are you ready for the ride?

Therapy is challenging.

It pushes you to explore the why behind your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This can be uncomfortable. It might even make you angry—at yourself, at others, or at the past. But it can also bring moments of gratitude and understanding that are deeply healing.

Therapy changes your perspective.

You’ll start to see people, situations, and even the world itself differently. That shift might feel liberating—or it might take time to adjust to.

Therapy is an upgrade for your mind.

Imagine you’ve spent your entire life using the most basic navigation app. Therapy is like installing the latest version of Google Maps Pro. Suddenly, you can see routes, shortcuts, and destinations that were invisible before.

Therapy is invigorating.

It can give you a new sense of energy and clarity. You’ll gain tools and insights to approach challenges in ways you never thought possible.

Therapy can be exhausting.

Some sessions leave you feeling like a deflated balloon. Processing your emotions and unpacking old patterns can be draining, but it’s part of the journey.

Therapy can be frustrating.

You might feel anger or regret as you confront parts of yourself you’ve avoided or realize how much you’ve shaped yourself around others’ expectations.

Therapy is life-changing.

It reveals strengths you didn’t know you had and helps you redefine your narrative. You might discover that what you once saw as flaws are actually your greatest assets.

Therapy is empowering.

It opens doors you didn’t even know existed. It’s a journey of self-discovery that equips you with tools to navigate life with more confidence and purpose.

So, Should You Try Therapy?

That’s a decision only you can make. Therapy isn’t just for those in crisis—it’s for anyone seeking to understand themselves more deeply, grow into their potential, and live life with greater clarity and purpose. Yes, it can be tough. Yes, it will challenge you. But it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.

If you’ve ever wondered, What’s holding me back? Why do I feel stuck? Is there more to who I am?—therapy might be the answer.

Your mental and emotional well-being deserves the same care and attention as your physical health. Life is short, and this is your one chance to live it fully.

The question isn’t just, Should I have therapy? It’s also, Am I ready to discover the person I’ve always been meant to be?

Take the leap. You might be surprised where it leads.