Therapy isn't just for crises

By Peggy Loo, PhD

Often people seek therapy when there’s something wrong. Whether it’s struggling with anxiety, an unexpected life change - looking for a therapist is usually associated with shooting an emergency flare into the sky in a moment of serious need and distress. While this is often what propels people into therapy, truthfully being in therapy can help you feel supported in any of the big or small moment of your life.

Maybe you have questions about yourself - how you relate in relationships, how you navigate social settings or job environments, or feel paralyzed trying to make an important decision. Maybe you feel lost or confused in lieu of events out of your control and are having trouble getting your bearings with a new “normal”. There are many reasons why you might consider therapy.

Maybe the concerns or struggles you have are not circumstantial - but seem to arise from deeper places - like figuring out aspects of your identity that feel unclear or finding it tough to express who you are honestly with others. Though having a clear sense of self is a lifelong process requiring patience for us all - we are glad to partner with you along the way.

Working with a mental health professional can offer undivided attention to the concerns or questions that are important to you. Therapy for personal growth can offer new perspective on patterns that are difficult to see on your own, encouragement to consider alternatives, or a chance to receive feedback or challenges to long-held assumptions. It can be a space to speak candidly with someone who is personally removed from your situation and dedicated to your best, at your pace. Therapy can be an avenue to build your self-esteem or expand self-awareness by having regular, focused conversations about your personal growth that may be less possible with family, friends or colleagues.

Very importantly, the Manhattan Therapy Collective is a safe space. We are allies of every community, particularly disenfranchised ones where expressing your voice or being yourself may be hard, even actively discouraged. We know racism, sexism, homophobia, Islamophobia - in fact, all the ‘isms, ‘phobias, and forms of social oppression negatively impact mental health and well-being. We are committed to being aware and multiculturally responsive in our work, which means part of your growth and emotional well-being is integrating who you are and all the pieces that make you, you. We always welcome honest dialogue in sessions. Our hope is that you feel seen, heard, and respected while we invest in your personal growth together.

Thankfully, while therapy has come a long way from being for “crazy” people - there is still a strong cultural narrative that therapy is best when you’re in crisis. We think every day is a great day to invest in yourself.