Why see a psychologist?

“The violence of the calm is sometimes more terrible than the storms” - Viviane Forrester

Many people think that seeing a psychologist is silly, crazy or unnecessary, but what few people know is that psychotherapy is very important and necessary, especially at certain times in life. It doesn't take 20 years to overcome trauma and feel good about yourself, but a few months or years does.

It must be stressed that psychologists are not counselors, friends or spiritual guides, much less fathers or mothers; they are professionals who seek to help their patients in psychological distress, whether mild or severe. I'm sure you've heard someone say that they don't need to see a psychologist because they already talk to their friends and have someone to talk to, or that they go to church and come out of it feeling more relieved. However, it's important to understand that this professional's job is not to bring relief, peace, happiness or spiritual salvation, but rather to help you delve deeper into yourself, especially the parts you're least proud of and try to hide, the parts you suffer from the most. In fact, this type of service is sought fundamentally because of suffering and/or psychological illness. You don't go to a psychologist just to have someone to talk to, but to deal with a psychological problem and also to cope with very difficult times.

Regardless of their background, everyone has difficult issues to deal with, which cause instability, suffering or stagnation. Most of the time, you get on with life without much fuss. The problem starts to bother you when the “fall down, get up and shake it off” solutions are no longer enough to actually move forward. It's at this point that bad thoughts arise, negative feelings set in and behaviors are no longer in line with what was intended. You lose control of yourself and anguish takes over everything in your life.

The psychologist is not someone who is going to show you which way to go, but rather accompany you on a painful journey that aims not only to improve your symptoms, but above all to get to know yourself, allowing you real autonomy and the possibility of solutions. In this process, the symptoms are no longer so necessary to express a difficult psychological condition. This professional will provide a space and a moment to talk about emotions, people, facts and the desire to improve, and so something will be built, enabling a new path for the patient.

It's not just the desire to get to know each other that drives someone to seek out this type of service, but a longing for change. Pain and suffering prompt reflection on the kind of life you want to live and how willing you are to change. Furthermore, inappropriate behavior, lack of boundaries, boredom or sadness should not be confused with psychopathology. So instead of listening to what people have to say about suffering or how you should lead your life, go to a psychologist and talk about yourself. Maybe you really do need psychological treatment, or one that includes other professionals and medication; maybe not. The most important thing, however, is to seek professional, knowledgeable and technical help.