Saturday is National Psychotherapy Day, and I felt it to be a good opportunity to highlight this important topic. National Psychotherapy Day (NPD) originated in 2012 and was created by a group of professionals in an attempt to correct misinformation and to raise an awareness of the essential work that helps one in four adults suffering with emotional problems.

One of the stigmas about being in therapy is that a person has to be crazy to seek mental health services. Therapy is simply an effective, natural and meaningful way of improving the quality of one’s life. Yet the public has a distorted view of therapy and therapists. It surely does not benefit us to see psychotherapy mocked in silly movies or TV shows. But have you ever seen a commercial ad that positively promotes the advantages of treatment? Consumers are often unaware of therapy’s proven and lasting effectiveness. Many look to medication first, while therapy provides a practical option with fewer physical side effects. Depending on the issue, psychotherapy is a more natural method of creating life improvements as compared with a reliance on drugs. Increasingly, psychiatrists recognize that long-term medication as the main treatment for depression is not optimal. Alternatively, the use of holistic methods built on the idea that one’s body and mind can self-heal if given the right guidance and support. Positive brain and bodily changes that occur during therapy are linked to emotional and behavioral improvements.

The pandemic has taken a toll on all of us, so it is no surprise that mental health support is needed more than ever. Twenty-five percent of adults experience mental health issues, but it is clear children have been effected too. The Biden administration announced an investment of $10.7 million in a rescue plan to expand mental health care for children. Therapy is effective, as research shows 75% of folks experience fewer negative symptoms and increase the overall quality of their lives after participating in treatment. The results of therapy are lasting in that clients’ symptoms continue to improve after treatment ends. So consider therapy for a better understanding of your underlying issues to improve decision making and to promote positive change, growth and healing for your life.

Suzette Turner-Clark, LCSW-S, RPT/S, RYT-200