While watching a YouTube video, I encountered a woman with complex PTSD explaining why talk therapy had not been effective for her. She shared that constantly revisiting her trauma during therapy sessions was retraumatizing, leaving her emotionally overwhelmed. Despite facing challenges, she has become a highly respected life coach specializing in helping individuals with Complex PTSD, charging $400 per individual session. I find her videos enjoyable and insightful, as they offer a survivor's perspective and integrate valuable lessons from her personal experiences to provide effective strategies to her clients. While many therapists endorse her work, I have also come across videos from other life coaches and somatic healers suggesting alternative approaches and criticizing traditional therapy methods. As a professional, I view this trend as potentially risky.
What therapists are not..
Clients often approach us with the expectation of receiving professional guidance or witnessing miraculous solutions to their longstanding issues. It's crucial to understand that therapists are not magicians and cannot perform instant transformations. While therapists can assist in processing thoughts and emotions, increasing self-awareness, and developing coping strategies or behavioral changes, it's essential to acknowledge that they cannot single-handedly resolve all of a client's problems. Additionally, it's important to recognize that therapy is a gradual process that requires time and patience; those seeking immediate results may not find therapy to be the most suitable option. Finding a therapist who is a good match for you is key, as research suggests that the therapeutic relationship is often more important than the specific therapeutic approach.
Complex Underlying Issues
Adding another layer to the complexity of mental health treatment is when a client has a history of trauma, substance use issues, and other systemic problems, all of which can exacerbate the primary concern. It is crucial to seek out a therapist who is specifically trained to address these issues. I typically recommend that clients experiencing moderate to severe anxiety and depression seek evaluation from psychiatrists and medical professionals. Becoming a fully licensed therapist entails obtaining a minimum of a master's degree, completing postgraduate supervised hours, passing board exams, and engaging in ongoing training. While there are excellent life coaches who can help clients with specific goals like career changes or relationships, I am cautious about the blanket statement that "therapy didn't work for me" or "talk therapy traumatized me," leading individuals to opt for a life coach instead. Life coaches lack formal training to address mental health conditions or trauma, perform safety assessments, or navigate the ethical and legal considerations involved in helping clients with trauma-related issues. Treating mental health conditions requires extensive training and a tailored approach that surpasses the scope of life coach training. While life coaches can be valuable resources to support individuals struggling with mental health concerns alongside licensed therapists, it is risky to suggest that therapy is ineffective and recommend turning to a life coach on platforms like YouTube.
Resistance to Change
We often come across many clients who have mixed feelings about change. It is common for clients to initially resist change at the start of their therapeutic journey. However, if a client remains indecisive about change or resists feedback or support, therapists need to consider their therapeutic relationship and the approach they are using. Some therapists may allow this phase to continue until the client is ready. I understand how challenging and even frightening it can be to let go of our usual defense mechanisms and try something new. Uncertainty can sometimes be daunting and risky. However, I have seen many individuals take small steps towards change and truly reflect on what is necessary to progress towards emotional well-being. Clients typically seek my services because they want to discuss their issues and strive for more peace, contentment, reduced anxiety, decreased depression, and increased happiness, especially in the initial stages of their process. I am continually amazed by their strength and resilience. Having been in therapy for over 20 years, I comprehend the frustrations, ambivalence, feeling of being stuck, or confusion at a certain stage. For me, therapy serves as a means of being accountable for monitoring my stress levels, mental well-being, and anything that requires professional processing. It involves articulating conflicting information to an insightful and experienced therapist. I reflect, breathe, and consider how to progress, or perhaps contemplate a bit more. I
If you are struggling...then try therapy!
The efficacy of therapy is not forthcoming and it may not always work for everyone, but if you are feeing overwhelmed most days, it is always helpful to talk to a professional about it. If you have trusted friends or family members whom you can talk to and that alone is enough, you perhaps don't need to seek professional help, but if you are having more anxious thoughts, fear, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, eating, going out with friends, doing the things that excite you normally, it's time for you to see a therapist for evaluation and treatment. Trained therapist can walk you through this process and there are so many options these days. The decision to seek help is personal and it is up to you. The bottom line is that you are not alone in this struggle and do not have to suffer alone.
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