I don’t need therapy. I have…

Something I hear ALL. THE. TIME. is this phrase, “I don’t need therapy. I have…” Insert any thing from chocolate and Cheetos, to hiking and traveling, to a hair stylist and a pet, to self-help books and journaling… you get the idea. Here’s the thing, lots of these are great examples of self-care and social support.

It’s fantastic that you have go-to snacks that bring you pleasure.

Being outside, moving your body, and exploring various parts of the world is truly a joyful privilege.

Having people you feel safe to talk to and a pet to snuggle is a huge blessing.

Learning from experts and writing your experiences are excellent, concrete strategies you can use to expand your perspectives.

And even with all those benefits, none of them are the same as therapy.

In a genuine, professional therapy session you can count on these elements.

Confidentiality—you don’t have to worry about your stuff being shared with anyone else

Competence—a qualified mental health professional who adheres to ethical standards and follows research based strategies

Compassion—a neutral space to express yourself without fear of judgement, where your autonomy is a priority, and your emotional experiences are validated

By all means, enjoy your snack and your snuggles and have fun with your friends. These are all healthy, happy things! Just remember—they aren’t the same as therapy.