Why Is Going To A Psychologist Okay?

And in what cases should it be done

We understand why going to a psychologist is not an extreme measure at all, but normal self-care.

IN WHAT CASES SHOULD YOU CONSULT A PSYCHOLOGIST?

Many still believe that turning to a psychologist is an extreme measure, which should be resorted to only in exceptional cases, when “it is no longer possible to live like this anymore.” And in this they make a mistake, because by the time everything around becomes absolutely unbearable, one psychologist will no longer be able to solve the problem and they will also have to turn to a psychotherapist, and nothing will end with talking – they will have to apply medication.

In order to avoid extreme cases, when it can even be about psychosomatic diseases, it is worth contacting a psychologist, for example, with prolonged apathy. According to an expert(whom there is no reason not to trust), if a person suddenly ceases to feel the taste of life, enjoys good events and lives “like in a movie”, like an outside observer, out of habit, this is a sure call that something is going wrong. This can no longer be attributed simply to a bad mood or a protracted black streak. A psychologist can help prevent apathy from turning into real depression.

IS NOT A GOOD FRIEND A SUBSTITUTE FOR AN EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL?

Also, make no mistake about the fact that true friends are a reliable alternative to a psychologist. Of course, the presence of people with whom you can communicate confidentially and “open your soul” is important, and this helps to build a person’s internal dialogue, but do not forget that even the closest interlocutor is not a professional, and he can also make mistakes, give wrong advice. And taking into account the fact that often people are not used to telling the unpleasant truth in person (from a variety of beliefs, for example, not wanting to offend), this fact becomes obvious. A good and competent psychologist will not only look at the situation from a new angle, but also, by virtue of his own professionalism and status, will acquire the necessary authority in the eyes of a person.

WHY YOU SHOULD NOT BE AFRAID OF GOING TO A SPECIALIST?

In fact, everything is simple here: people undergo medical examinations with a certain frequency, which, as a rule, does not cause panic in anyone, and therefore it will not be superfluous to check your psychological state if you have doubts about this. It is not necessary to look for the most expensive specialist in the city: to find out whether the reason for that very apathy lies in the lack of vitamins or whether there are internal problems behind it, any qualified specialist can. So you should be afraid of going to a psychologist exactly to the same extent as you should be afraid of visiting any other doctor.

HOW TO FIND “YOUR” PSYCHOLOGIST?

Speaking of doctors: out of old habit, people often believe that at a doctor’s appointment, a feeling of discomfort in communication is quite normal. Such a position is in itself erroneous, and it is definitely impossible to go for a consultation with a psychologist with such convictions. Because establishing a trusting tone is of the utmost importance. A person should feel that the specialist not only listens attentively, but also does it with a sincere disposition. Only in this case, visits to a psychologist will not turn into torture and will have the desired result. If, during communication, discomfort and “tightness” are the main emotions, you should avoid further sessions with the chosen psychologist: there will still be no benefit.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE FIRST RECEPTION AND WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE FUTURE?

When going to a psychologist for the first appointment, it is advisable to thoroughly prepare and think about what problems you want to deal with with his help. Don’t worry if it’s difficult to decide on a specific task, or even if you fail to do it: reflection is not the easiest and most pleasant thing. However, make a list of what you would like to change in your psychological state, and try to write down (yes, write down) a kind of opening speech in which you would talk about yourself and about your current life difficulties that prompted you to see a specialist. Also, be prepared that in the first session you will not immediately “talk”, and if this happens, then most likely the session will not be without tears. It’s not worth worrying about at all. If contact between you and the psychologist has been established, then continue the visits at the pace in which it is convenient for you, only you know how much time you need to understand the conversation. And, of course, get ready that after a couple of visits you will be given real homework, which you will need to deal with honestly and responsibly.