There are many different reasons why people put off getting treatment for their anxiety. As a therapist, I don’t have judgments about why people put off going to therapy because I get it. Everyone has their own unique experience, and that’s ok. Seeking therapy for any mental health issues is a sign of self-awareness and demonstrates hope of getting better. Hope and awareness are always the first steps to getting better, and they make a huge difference. Why are people hesitant to put off going to therapy though? Let’s chat about it.
Common reasons people avoid therapy for anxiety
Let’s acknowledge that some people, don’t have the means to pay for therapy and this is a legitimate issue that can be a valid struggle. There are different reasons why people struggle with going to therapy but these are some of the common reasons.
1. You think you need to deal with anxiety symptoms on your own
The women I work with tend to be high achieving and independent. They are used to being able to work hard and accomplish their goals. When they experience anxiety, they believe they need to figure it out on their own because that’s what they’ve always done. If you relate to this, you might even believe that dealing with anxiousness is normal and just what you have to learn to live with. It might seem like therapy is for other people but you should just somehow know how to manage anxiety on your own. This is a myth and not a helpful belief. Anxiety therapy is for everyone. Therapy is especially for those that are motivated to work on themselves but just need the right tools. Working with a therapist for anxiety can help accelerate your progress in this area.
2. You are afraid of judgment
It would be terrifying to reach out for help if you felt like you would be judged. Many of the women I have worked with in therapy have shared they put off going to therapy because they were worried the therapist would dismiss their issues, and say they didn’t really need therapy. Aside from the fear of being judged by a therapist for what they struggle with, they also worry about what family and friends would say if they knew they were going to therapy. Although therapy has become more normalized, we still have a long way to go. I can’t promise you that nobody in your life will judge you but I can promise as an anxiety therapist, I won’t be judging you. I and most therapists are just eager to help you feel better. I want my clients to feel safe and to know my job is to help not to judge.
3. You don’t recognize the impact anxiety has on your life and relationships
So many people don’t realize that impact anxiety has on their lives. You may not even realize that what you are feeling is anxiety. You could have become so accustomed to feeling the way you do that it just seems normal. You might have high-functioning anxiety and it’s often disguised to yourself and others. You could also be perfectionistic and may not recognize how this is a way of coping with your anxiety. Many people who are people pleasers struggle with anxiety about disappointing other people. Anxiety can manifest itself in different ways but it doesn’t mean it’s not valid or that you don’t deserve help.
How can anxiety therapy help?
Anxiety therapy can be molded to whatever you need it to be. Anxiety is often a symptom related to a past experience or traumatic event. Some people have personality traits that are more prone to anxiety but when anxiety is debilitating that’s a sign that there may be something else going on. Most people will dismiss that they’ve had trauma or any other issue that might be contributing to their anxiety. However, with a little exploring in therapy, we find there are things in the past that are playing a role. Anxiety therapy can not only help you learn to develop grounding and coping skills for anxiety but it can also help you work through those experiences in the past.
Anxiety therapy in Utah can help give you relief
There are so many reasons to work with an anxiety therapist. Working with an anxiety therapist to help you find relief from anxiety and panic. When anxiety consumes more of your life than you would like it to, therapy can make a world of difference. Therapy for anxiety can help you identify your triggers, utilize exposure therapy, learn ways to cope, and do it all with the support of someone that is an expert in treating anxiety.
Start working with a therapist for anxiety in Utah
You don’t have to keep dealing with anxiety all on your own. You deserve help. Anxiety therapy can help you find the help you are looking for. This Utah Counseling Clinic has an anxiety therapist specializing in treating anxiety. To begin counseling follow the steps below:
Meet with a therapist for anxiety
Find relief from anxiety
Work with an anxiety therapist online in Utah
When you have anxiety, you want to feel safe and comfortable. You want to feel like what you are sharing will be kept private and don’t want to feel intimidated by trying to find an office. This is why I provide online therapy in Utah. It’s just as effective as in-person therapy but it can be done in the comfort of your own home.
Online counseling also means I can work with you wherever you are in Utah. I work with clients in St. George, Cedar City, Provo, Heber City, Logan, Salt Lake City, and more.
Other mental health services provided by Maple Canyon Therapy
Anxiety treatment isn’t the only counseling service provided by this Utah Counseling Clinic. Other mental health services provided by Maple Canyon Therapy include EMDR therapy, binge eating disorder treatment, eating disorder therapy, counseling for college students, birth trauma therapy, and body image therapy. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to see how I can help.
About the Author
Ashlee Hunt is a licensed clinical social worker and founder of Maple Canyon Therapy near Provo, Utah. Ashlee has a master's degree in social work from Utah State University. She has a bachelor's in psychology and a bachelor's in family life and human development from Southern Utah University. Ashlee loves helping women learn to calm their anxiety and offer themselves self-compassion. She utilizes EMDR therapy to help women work through their past experiences that may contribute to anxiety.