When you have someone in your life that you feel needs professional help, it can feel stressful and overwhelming. Sometimes an outsider can see things that the person experiencing the problem cannot see or refuses to see. So can we convince someone to go to therapy? That depends on the person and your relationship with them. You need to keep in mind that unless the person is ready to accept help and admit they have a problem, therapy may not help them much, even if they did go. A person must be ready to admit they need help–and ready to accept that help–for therapy to work. Here are a couple of points to keep in mind as you talk with a loved one about them potentially going to therapy.
Tell Them What They Have Told You
One way to talk with a loved one about getting help is to tell them what they have told you. If they have opened up to you about feeling sad, overly tired, or unable to perform normal daily activities, you can remind them of this. If someone has expressed that they feel like they may be struggling with an addiction, remind them of exactly what they have told you. Try to use their words or phrases, and not to put in your own thoughts or feelings.
Remove the Stigma and Shame
Sometimes people simply need to be reminded that getting help for their problems is perfectly normal. If you broke your leg, you would not think twice about going to the doctor to receive the help you need to make sure your leg heals appropriately. Mental illness is no different. Reminding your loved one that there is no shame in getting help for their mental health may be helpful and comforting for some people.
A person needs to be ready to receive help for therapy to be successful in most situations. If you have a loved one that you feel needs counseling, the best approach is simply to be supportive. Remind them of what they have already told you about their struggles. You may also find it helpful to remind them that there is no shame in receiving help. Acknowledging you need help can be a big step. Here at The Guest House, we understand that everyone will need support designed for them to heal and journey through their recovery. Call us today to learn more about our different treatment options and how we can support you at (855) 483-7800.