In short
- The seven most common reasons people come: anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, relationship difficulty, habits that have become harmful, and sexual concerns.
- The threshold for anxiety is not severity, it is interference. When it starts shaping what you will and will not do in a day, that is the point worth bringing to someone.
- Trauma work covers both the past and the ongoing: PTSD symptoms from something that happened, and living with a terminal diagnosis or an abusive relationship now.
- Habits like drinking, substance use or gambling are usually doing a job. The work is on what they are covering, and on finding something else that does the same job.
- You do not need a crisis to qualify. Wanting to think something through with an unbiased person is a complete reason on its own.
There are many common reasons people seek therapy.
Issues like excessive worries, anger, or low mood are typical reasons to attend therapy. You can speak with a therapist about almost anything you want to talk about or reflect on. Common things that people seek therapy for include anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. Therapy is beneficial for a variety of issues, so it is valid to seek therapy for anything you’d like!
The seven most common things that people discuss in therapy range from self-esteem issues to interpersonal challenges to sexual concerns.
Therapists can offer support so you feel heard and guidance to overcome those challenges.
1. Anxiety
Many people seek therapy for mild, moderate, and severe anxiety-related concerns.
Therapy can support those with generalized anxiety or anxiety about a specific issue or situation (being in public/social situations).
Others may reach out to a therapist for help overcoming their phobias or fears.
Anxiety is something that many experience in nerve-wracking situations, like a large presentation or a loud crowd.
But, if your anxiety is stopping you from doing your daily activities, it may be a good idea to reach out for support.
A therapist can help you explore the root of your anxiety, process where your emotions stem from, and alleviate some of your worries.
You can also collaborate to develop a plan to manage your anxiety symptoms when you are in a triggering situation.
2. Depression
Another common thing people attend therapy for is depression and persistent low mood.
If you are losing joy in the things you usually love or if you have been feeling alone, it may be a good idea to seek therapy.
Therapy can also help if you have been struggling with lower mood, anger, or harmful thoughts. Whether your low mood was caused by something like an unexpected change or loss, or whether it just started, a therapist can support you.
You can reflect on your experience with depression and low mood and work through its root causes.
Therapy also lets you discover your triggers in a safe and supportive environment.
And with your therapist, you can work towards reducing your depressive symptoms and coping with your triggers.
3. Trauma
Those who have experienced trauma often seek therapy to work through it.
Some may have endured previous traumatic situations that caused PTSD symptoms, like flashbacks or nightmares.
Others may be dealing with ongoing trauma, like living with a terminal diagnosis or surviving an abusive relationship.
Working with a therapist can help you process your emotions around your trauma. You can learn to identify your triggers and ground yourself if you are in a triggering situation.
If you are coping with a terminal diagnosis, your therapist can help you accept your prognosis and learn to make the most of your time.
If you’re currently in an abusive relationship, a therapist can help you find resources for emergencies and help you plan to leave.
Your therapist can help you develop a plan to cope with the changes or unpredictability that you are going through.
So hopefully, the trauma you’ve experienced doesn’t stop you from enjoying your life.
4. Self-Esteem Issues
Some people tend to be overly critical of themselves. That criticism and negative self-talk can lead to low self-esteem.
If you struggle with low self-esteem, you can build your confidence in therapy.
You can learn how to replace negative self-talk with positive self-talk.
Learning positive self-talk can relieve feelings of stress, depression, and anxiety. Working with a therapist can teach you to repair your self-esteem and grow your self-love.
Therapy can also help you shift your mindset from pessimistic to optimistic, which can help you feel happier on a day-to-day basis.
Reflecting on how you think and speak about yourself can give you a greater awareness of who you are as a person.
Therapy can support you if you want to make personal changes to become the happiest, mentally healthiest version of yourself.
5. Interpersonal Relationship Challenges
Therapists can support you when you are experiencing marital, family, or friendship issues.
You can wade through your feelings about your interpersonal issues with someone unbiased and supportive.
Sorting through your emotions can help you approach challenges with a solution-focused mindset.
A therapist can also teach effective communication and how to outline boundaries you intend to set with others.
Learning to communicate and set boundaries can let you express your needs and feel heard when talking to the other person.
Some therapists offer couples and family therapy if you want a neutral mediator for larger issues.
Couples and family therapy also allows the therapist to understand the group dynamics in your partnership/family!
Therapy can be helpful for supporting couples and families during tough moments.
6. Harmful Habits
If you are dealing with potentially harmful habits, therapy can support you in changing them if you want to.
Harmful habits include substance use issues, alcohol use issues, gambling issues, and more. These behaviours aren’t automatically harmful, it’s okay to drink now and then! But, if you start indulging in these habits more often than not, it may be time to consider therapy. These habits are often coping mechanisms for deeper issues.
Using, drinking, or gambling may be a way to avoid reflecting on those issues.
A therapist can help you sort through your emotions and the underlying problem leading to your habit.
You two can brainstorm healthy replacement coping mechanisms to use when you face situations that make you want to drink, use, or gamble.
7. Sexual Concerns
People often seek therapy for their sexual concerns.
Some may struggle to connect with their partner or struggle with sexual intimacy generally.
Having a therapist can provide reassurance, support, and guidance if you have these concerns on your mind.
These issues can feel alone, and a therapist can remind you that you aren’t.
Therapy may allow you to work through your emotions relating to the issues and any deep-rooted traumas that could be influencing them.
Talking through your sexual concerns with a therapist may take pressure off yourself and help you start overcoming the concerns.
Individuals who are struggling with gender dysphoria may also reach out to a therapist for support in navigating their emotions and journey.
People attend therapy for many reasons, from anxiety to trauma to interpersonal challenges. Therapy can help support you during various difficulties you may endure.
No matter what you want to talk about, a therapist can help you feel heard. It can feel so validating to have someone to reflect with.
You deserve safe and confidential support.
The service behind this article
How to choose a therapistSee how we work with this, who on the team does it, and what it costsClinically reviewed. Written by Toronto Therapy Practice, Written for the practice · clinically reviewed by Mila Arsenijevic, MSW RSW, and reviewed by the clinical team on 30 October 2023. This article is general information, not a substitute for individual care. If you are in crisis, call or text 988.
