Mindful Well-Being
Embracing Mental Health Counseling Before Crisis Strikes…
When we think of mental health counseling, it’s easy to imagine someone lying on a couch, pouring out their heart while grappling with anxiety, depression or a major life crisis. However, therapy isn’t just a lifeline in times of turmoil – it’s a powerful tool for fostering healthier relationships, personal growth and overall well-being long before a crisis hits.
As we navigate the complexities of modern life, it’s time to embrace the proactive benefits of mental health counseling. Let’s dive into why seeking therapy before things hit rock bottom is not only wise, but also life-changing.
Therapy: Not Just for Crisis Management: One of the most significant misconceptions about therapy is that it’s only for those dealing with severe mental health issues. In reality, therapy can be incredibly beneficial for anyone at any stage of life and for a variety of reasons. It’s about developing a deeper understanding of ourselves, improving our relationships and equipping ourselves with tools to handle whatever life throws our way.
“In our culture, most people expect to get an annual physical, which is important. I suggest that people should, at the very minimum, schedule a session with a psychotherapist at least once a year for a mental health check-up,” said Lynn Fritz, a marriage and family therapist in Redding. “The true goal of therapy is to help people to thrive, not merely survive. And, really, who doesn’t want to thrive?”
Fritz has served on the board of the Redding Regional Chapter of the California Association of Family Therapists for five years. She is also an ordained minister, serving as the chair of Shasta Interfaith, and a tribal descendant of the Karuk Tribe. She produces and hosts “Enjoy Exceptional Living,” a weekly radio program in partnership with Enjoy Magazine and KKRN Radio 88.5 FM Community Radio.
The program airs Mondays at 8 am and repeats the following Saturdays at 11am.
“All humans encounter grief. We all feel pain when a loved one dies. Many of us have family issues that remain unresolved,” Fritz says. “A therapist’s office provides a safe place to explore loss and grief in
a confidential manner. It’s where we can talk about, reflect and embrace change.”
Building Resilience and Coping Skills: Therapy isn’t just about addressing existing issues; it’s about building resilience and learning how to cope with future challenges. Life is full of challenges, and having a solid foundation of coping mechanisms can make a world of difference. Regular sessions with a therapist can help individuals develop these skills, ensuring they’re better prepared for whatever comes their way.
Burt Gershater, a life coach, mentor, author, poet and public speaker, began his private practice in the 1970s. His book, No Guts, No Love, has brought inspiration to thousands of readers around the globe.
“Nearly everything in life that works needs to be maintained: Your refrigerator, washing machine, car. Keeping things in working order is part of life,” he says. “Think of going to therapy the same as getting your car tuned up. Don’t think going to therapy means something is wrong with you. The words ‘something wrong with me’ should never be used in therapy. We are all a work in progress when we choose to be.”
Strengthening Relationships: Another powerful benefit of therapy is its ability to improve and strengthen relationships. Whether it’s couples counseling, family therapy or individual sessions focused on relationship dynamics, therapy can provide invaluable insights and tools for fostering healthy, fulfilling relationships.
“I’ve spent years working with families and couples,” Gershaster says. “What I find exhilarating is that we are breaking through generational pain. And we are helping our children and future generations break harmful generational behaviors. So, even if you don’t feel therapy benefits you, just think of future generations. They will thank you.”
Overcoming Stigma: Despite the clear benefits of therapy, there’s still a lingering stigma around seeking mental health support. Some people feel ashamed or embarrassed to admit they see a therapist, fearing judgment from others. “There are still people who believe that seeking therapy is a sign of weakness,” Gershater says. “It is actually the exact opposite. It requires courage to seek help. You need to surrender your ego. And that takes strength.”
But Gershater has seen a tectonic shift in his 50-plus years of helping people improve their lives. “Generations before us thought that struggle and difficult times were just life. And they just gutted it out. Today, we know more about how our mind works. It’s as if since Dr. Sigmund Freud’s breakthrough work in psychoanalysis, humans have evolved. Was it an evolution of culture or an evolution of our species? I lean toward the latter, but probably some of both.”
Breaking down stigma requires open conversations and a shift in societal attitudes. By sharing our experiences and normalizing therapy as a healthy, proactive choice, we can help others feel more comfortable seeking the support they need, he says.
Embrace the Power of Proactive Therapy: Whether it’s improving family dynamics, building resilience, or strengthening relationships, the benefits of therapy are vast and profound. Remember, you don’t have to wait for a crisis to seek help. Embrace therapy as a powerful tool for personal growth and well-being, and take the first step toward a brighter, more fulfilling future. Let’s make 2025 the year we prioritize our mental health, one session at a time.
