You Don’t Need To Be In Crisis To Benefit From Therapy

Making the decision to start working with a therapist can bring up a lot. Self-judgment and shame often kick in, and have you questioning yourself.

Are my reasons ‘big enough’ or ‘bad enough’?

Other people have it worse.

I should be able to handle this on my own

One of the most common barriers to seeking therapy isn’t cost or access. It’s the nagging voice telling you that you have to be at your absolute worst before you’re ‘allowed’ to get help. That voice can feel pretty convincing but, take it from me: It’s also a liar.

The truth is, you don’t have to wait until you’re falling apart to reach out. You don’t need to prove your pain, or earn support. You don’t need to hit rock bottom.

You are allowed to start therapy exactly where you are.

Not Only Crisis, But Care

There’s a reservoir near where I live that you can swim in. This is relevant, I promise.

Before you enter the water, you’re asked to clip on a small inflatable that straps around your waist. It bobs behind you as you swim, ready to grab in case of an emergency.

But, quite often, I see people using the inflatable just to take a break. The reservoir is big, they’re a bit tired, and they want to spend some time just looking at their surroundings or feeling the sun on their face. So they take it in their hands and just…float for a while. They still need to kick a bit, sure. But some of the effort has been taken out, giving them time and space for other things.

That, to me, is what therapy can be. Of course it’s there to reach for in crisis; when you're drowning in anxiety, grief, or depression. But it can also be something that helps you pause and breathe before you hit your limit.

Therapy can be a way to:

• Prevent total burnout

• Start processing grief before it turns to guilt

• Break patterns before they become self-sabotage

• Explore identity, purpose, or relationships more deeply

Yes, therapy can be a place to fall apart—but it can also be a place to rest, reflect, and return to yourself.

It can be a way to rest on your way around the reservoir. A chance to think about what you really need.

 “It’s Not That Bad” Doesn’t Mean It’s Not Worth Addressing

The world around us tends to glorify independence and grit. That can make asking for help feel like failure, especially if your life looks fine on the outside.

But it’s important to remember that your nervous system doesn’t care if ‘other people have it worse.’ It just knows how to do its job, and tell you when something feels unsafe or overwhelming.

That quiet discomfort? The numbness you feel? The inner restlessness?

Those feelings matter.

Your body is trying to tell you something, and therapy can help you listen to what that is.

But I’m Fine!

‘I’m fine’ can be a habit; a knee-jerk response to any enquiry about what’s actually going on for us.

It’s a phrase that functions as a protection and as a mask, stopping others from seeing that we might be tired. Lonely. Overwhelmed. Craving connection.

Therapy is a perfect place to start exploring what’s underneath. You don’t have to worry about disappointing your therapist, or burdening them. They are there to support you in finding out who you are when you stop trying to hold it all together.

You’re Allowed to Be Proactive About Your Mental Health

We don’t think it’s weird when we hear someone we love is trying to improve their physical health by going to the gym or eating more vegetables, do we? No. We’re glad for them.

We encourage each other to go to the doctor when there’s something we’re unsure about. Just to make sure. Just to keep an eye on things.

We don’t see those things as indulgent – because they’re not. They are signs of commitment to self. They are not weak. They are not selfish.

Therapy can be the same thing. Another part of keeping ourselves healthy, safe and sustained.

A Reminder

Therapy doesn’t require you to hit a breaking point.

You can start when you’re struggling.
You can start when you’re uncertain.
You can start when you just want to know yourself better.

And remember, if you’re not sure, you’re allowed to try it. Even just once.

No permission slip needed. No rock bottom.

Just you, showing up for yourself.