What Is Therapy?
Therapy is a way to get help with a problem. If you go to therapy, you'll have
meetings with a therapist to talk.
The therapist will ask questions and listen to you. This helps the therapist know
what you need. Going to therapy helps people learn to cope better, communicate better,
and do better.
Your parent or doctor might suggest you go to a therapist if you're dealing with
a problem. Or it might be your idea — you might be the one to ask your parent
or doctor to find a therapist to talk with.
What Problems Do Therapists Help With?
Therapists are trained to help people with all kinds of problems.
Therapists help people going through tough times like:
- family trouble
- school problems
- bullying
- health problems
They help people with painful feelings like:
They help people with conditions like:
Why Do People Need Therapy?
People need therapy when they have problems they can't cope with alone. Therapy
helps people talk about their feelings. It helps them work through problems and learn
new skills. When they do this, they start to communicate better and do better.
People need therapy for different reasons. Some people need to ease depression
or anxiety. Others need it to improve their attention, learning, and focus. Some people
need help with anxiety, worry, or fear. Everyone deserves help to deal with problems.
How Does Therapy Work?
In therapy, people learn by talking and doing. A therapist will share activities
and ideas to build the skills a person needs. People learn ways to solve their problems.
Therapy builds helpful thoughts and encourages healthy behaviors. Therapists help
people feel encouraged as they learn. They help people see the good in themselves
and find their strengths.
What Happens in Therapy?
At first, your therapist will talk with you, ask questions, and listen to learn
more about you. This helps your therapist understand the problem. Together you will
make goals for what you want help with.
In therapy sessions, you might:
- Talk. Therapists have people talk about their feelings.
Talking is a healthy way to express feelings. It helps people feel accepted, understood,
and ready to learn.
- Do activities. Therapists might teach lessons about emotions,
coping skills, or facing fears. Activities and worksheets help make these lessons
interesting.
- Practice new skills. A therapist might teach skills like mindfulness
and calm breathing.
You might learn ways to face fears or lower stress. Or how to speak up for yourself.
In your therapy meetings, you might practice the skills you learn.
- Solve problems. Your therapist will ask how problems affect you
at home and at school. You will talk together about how to solve these problems.
How Long Do People Do Therapy?
How long therapy lasts depends on your goals. Most of the time, a therapist will
want to meet with you once a week for a few months.
How Can You Help Yourself?
If you're going to a therapist, here are ways to build on the work you will do:
- Be ready to grow. Have a positive attitude. Believe in yourself.
Tell yourself, "I can" instead of "I can't."
- Ask parents, teachers, and friends for support. Let them help
and show they care.
- Work on your strengths. Spend time doing the things you are good
at. This helps you build confidence.
- Take care of your body. Exercise and eat healthy foods. Get enough
sleep. Take time to relax. Be with people who bring out your best.
- Take care of your mind. Learn mindful breathing to help you be
calm and focused. The more you do this, the more it helps.
Date reviewed: February 2018
