When you are sick or you feel that something is not right with your body, most people have no problem in determining when they should go to the doctor . Physical symptoms and problems are good indicators that we need to see a doctor. In regard to seeing a psychologist, however, people are often not so clear. In the case of severe mental problems and symptoms, of course, it is not too difficult to discern that communication with a psychologist is necessary, but not all problems are in the extreme, so that may leave one uncertain of why the services of a psychologist is needed. Listed below are several reasons why one should see a psychologist with non-acute, non-extreme problems and circumstances:
To begin with, it is necessary to realize that you are not or need not be “crazy” or in some state of mental crisis before you can benefit from the services of a psychologist. Think of visiting a psychologist in less extreme circumstances as a way of maintaining your mental health, like a tune-up for your mind as you might tune-up your car’s engine now and then.
Thus, here are some reasons to get your psychological “tune-up”:
1) A Safe place to be yourself: The psychologist is a safe place where you can freely and openly talk about yourself, your concerns, and your problems. Often, with family and friends, one does not feel open to talk about things that seem too personal, that you think they might not understand, or you think they may consider you abnormal or possibly “sick.” When you go a psychologist, you can “let your hair down” and feel free to talk about those things because the psychologist will not judge you, but will provide you with information to help you to gain insight to help you to better understand yourself and your circumstances. It is a safe place to be yourself, something we all need.
2) Insight and understanding: As mentioned above, in talking about your “minor” concerns and problems, the psychologist can help you to better understand yourself and your actions and reasons for the circumstances or problems you are encountering. Further, the psychologist can help you to gain control of your thinking and emotions to better cope with circumstances that are affecting you. To gain a better understanding and insight into yourself is a very positive reason for visiting a psychologist.
3) Non-judgmental: The psychologist is non-judgmental, but can help you to determine the exact character of your feelings so that you do not feel that it is necessary to be judged. Family and friends may advise you based on what is best for them and not what is best for you. Thus, their judgment imay be biased or skewed, which affects the quality of the insight and advice that they offer. For the psychologist, this is not the case. The psychologist has “no marbles in the game,” so the advice from the psychologist is focused on what is best for you and your mental health. Thus, the non-judgmental advice from a psychologist is of a high value in gaining an objective understanding of your problems and what should be done about them.
NEXT: More indications of why to go to a psychologist.
