Perhaps you know someone who seems to need therapy, but they’re resistant to the idea or don’t even realise that it’s an option – what can you do?
Should I suggest therapy?
If you’re thinking of suggesting therapy, consider these issues:
- What is your relation to the person (are they a colleague, close friend, acquaintance, family member, or partner) and how well do you know them?
- Have they ever talked to you about the problem you think they need help with?
- Where are they in their thinking of therapy as being an option to engage with?
If so, what works?
People will be at different stages of readiness to change. This depends on whether they see it as a problem, if they want to change it, if they are aware of the benefits of therapy, if they’re open to the idea. Should they want see a therapist, they may require a different approach according to what matches their current mindset.
It’s best not to push someone to have therapy before they’re ready: they’re likely to dig their heels in. Instead, you may like to just talk to a person who is considering therapy, but is unsure whether to go ahead, about the pros and cons. There may be some real obstacles to them going to see someone just now, which they may be able to problem-solve their way around with your help.
I often suggest anyone generally interested in therapy read my Frequently Asked Questions page and you can always contact me using the form on the right you have any questions not answered there or if you wish to make an appointment.
