How is Therapy Different Than Talking with a Friend?
When going through a difficult time or seeking a different perspective, you may feel inclined to talk with a trusted friend. This is a natural and beneficial process that can provide validation, help you see things from a new angle, and leave you feeling uplifted. However, sometimes talking with friends isn’t enough to help us fully heal and grow. This blog post explores the key similarities and differences between confiding in a friend and seeking therapy. Understanding these differences is essential to help you decide if seeking therapy is right for you.
An Uninterrupted Focus on You
The benefits of friendships on our mental health are undeniable and having a strong support system is a significant protective factor. However, friendships are a two-way street. When you share your struggles with a friend, they may also share their own experiences in return. In psychotherapy, however, the sole focus is on you and your. Every session is dedicated to exploring your thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a structured and uninterrupted manner. Therapy provides a space where your concerns take priority, allowing for deeper self-exploration and progress toward your personal goals.
A Space Free of Bias
Friends want the best for you, but their feelings, experiences, and bias will impact their feedback. For example, if you’re struggling in a relationship, a friend may have strong opinions based on their personal views or history with the person involved. Therapists, on the other hand, approach therapy sessions with objectivity and professional expertise. Because they are not personally connected to your life, they can offer unbiased insights tailored to your unique situation. In therapy, you don’t have to worry about burdening someone else with what you are experiencing. Your therapist is solely there to support you in any way, and prioritize your well-being.
Boundaries and Confidentiality
Although you may trust a friend to keep your conversations private, there is always a chance that some information may be shared with others. Friendships lack the professional ethical and legal standards that govern therapy. Therapists are bound by strict confidentiality policies. This means that everything you share in therapy will be kept private except in some cases where safety concerns require intervention, such as the risk of harm to yourself or others. This confidentiality can foster a sense of safety to openly share your thoughts and feelings.
Training and Education
Therapists are highly trained professionals who complete years of academic study, supervised clinical practice, and ongoing education before becoming fully licensed to practice independently. Even after obtaining licensure, therapists continue their professional development and many choose to become certified in a variety of evidence-based therapeutic interventions. Their extensive training allows them to provide effective tools and strategies to help clients navigate mental health challenges.
When Should You Consider Therapy?
If you find that you are still struggling despite talking with friends, it may be time to seek therapy. There are many reasons to initiate therapy services. Consider seeking professional support if:
You are experiencing persistent feelings of anxiety or depression
Past trauma is affecting your daily life
You are experiencing emotional distress despite efforts to manage it on your own
You are struggling with major life transitions like a breakup, loss, or a career change
You suspect you may have a mental health condition, such as PTSD, that is impacting your well-being
Conclusion
Having healthy and supportive friendships is necessary and there are many benefits to having a strong social network. However, friendships are not a substitute for professional therapy. Therapists are extensively trained to work with clients to address a variety of mental health concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, among many others. If you’re feeling stuck despite the support of friends and family, remember—you don’t have to go through this alone. Help is available, and healing is possible.
If you are interested in starting therapy, please contact Melissa Solano, LCSW. Melissa is a bilingual trauma therapist working with adult clients virtually throughout the states of Texas and Massachusetts. Melissa specializes in working with adult survivors of trauma and adult children of narcissistic parents. Melissa is certified in EMDR therapy and also provides Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, CBT, mindfulness based-practices and parts work.