For our grandparents, the idea of seeing a therapist or counsellor to help you with your problems was something to be frowned upon. Perhaps that’s because it was seen as a weakness, or inability to cope with life. What’s great about the turn-around of this idea we see today is that it’s no longer a source of shame to ask for help. By today’s logic, the real source of shame is in needing help and refusing to ask for it; thereby continuing to damage your wellness or that of others. The field of mental health has expanded so much in the last century; it has opened itself to all of us, so that we can find the tools to reach our full potential.
In today’s society we have witnessed the point where mental health meets complementary therapy. We all need tools to make the most of ourselves, and achieve our aims in life. The idea of working on oneself has been strong in Eastern culture for thousands of years, and is behind the whole system of Yoga, to name just one example. Western ‘talking cures’ now form another valid part of that toolkit, promoting healthy minds and communication.
Life is a trial for all of us. As Sigmund Freud’s theories suggest, no one can make it through childhood without accumulating a lot of baggage. Figuring out the meaning of life and our place in it is the key concern of every human journey, and for this purpose, psychoanalysis can very useful. Psychoanalysis is the traditional ‘talking cure’ that came out of Viennain the early 1900s. In this method, the therapist is confined to the role of listener, and the client gradually learns more about himself as he talks. It is a method that aims to untangle the knots we still carry from our childhood psyche.
A more modern and pragmatic approach to therapy is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). This method is less concerned with the ‘whys and wherefores’ of feelings. It is almost totally concerned with observing behaviours and finding strategies to change them. It mixes psychiatric traditions with Eastern practices such as mindfulness to help you reflect upon your life and orchestrate exactly the changes you desire.
These are just two of the main schools open to you if you decide to look for support on your life journey. There are many hundreds more types of talking therapies available. When venturing out into this area, it is important to first have an idea of what kind of method appeals to you. Next, and most importantly, you should seek a therapist, counsellor or life coach who is highly trustworthy and professional. Take your time in choosing the method and person that’s right for you. When you find them, you can start to enjoy the benefits of enhanced emotional wellbeing.
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