Your problems matter

As part of my training to become a psychotherapist, I’ve had over 120 hours of personal therapy and have seen four different therapists. I remember once I was telling my therapist a story and mid way through I started worrying that my issue was boring them.

My problems must seem irrelevant, I thought, considering all of the awful stories she hears everyday. It was impossible for me to be vulnerable when I thought that I was wasting someone's time.

What I now realise is that this is such a common feeling for clients. I’ve heard similar fears expressed time and time again. ‘Are you sure that someone else doesn’t need or deserve this space more than I do?’ My resounding answer to this question is No. You are worthy and your problems matter. As a psychotherapist, I’m not interested only in the biggest problems or the most upsetting stories. I don’t compare one client’s experiences with another. The truth is that when it comes to mental health, nothing is irrelevant and we all have struggles. If something feels important to you, then it is important. When we begin to unravel the feelings and worries that are troubling us, we’ve more opportunity to understand ourselves and gain control over our lives. This is something that we can all benefit from, that we all deserve. I’m here to support you on that path, whatever stage you’re at on your journey.

Going to counselling is an important form of self care, it can act as a scaffolding to support our mental health, just like going to the gym or the doctor for our physical health. There’s nothing wrong with getting help, in fact, it shows strength and bravery when you’re able to reach out and seek the support you need.