Blog
Why Therapy?
That’s the big question. Why go to therapy in the first place? Will it even help? Whether you’re already a therapy enthusiast or just starting your journey, it’s important to ask yourself: Why therapy? What is it about sitting down with a stranger for 45 minutes to an hour each week that could be beneficial?
Simply put, being heard is crucial. How many times have you spoken to someone only to realize they’re listening just to respond, not to truly understand or empathize? Often, we’re not looking for solutions when we discuss our concerns. We just want to be heard.
It can also be difficult to share with family and friends. When you seek advice or support, they may respond with personal bias, as people who care deeply about you. While their intentions are usually good, their perspective may not always be objective. That’s where an impartial third party can be so valuable. Therapy provides a neutral space to work through trauma, life transitions, grief, or any number of challenges impacting your mental health.
For me, therapy is a safe place—a space to explore our inner struggles, our pain, our fears, and the things we’re too ashamed to talk about. It’s a place to confront the issues we often pretend don’t bother us, and even to work through difficult life decisions.
Whatever your reason for seeking therapy, know that it’s a powerful tool to have in your life’s toolkit. Therapy can help you navigate the complexities of being human and provide you with the support you need to thrive.
Coping Skills: Why Do We Need Them?
When I talk to my elementary school students about coping skills, I like to explain them as tools we use to manage our big emotions. These emotions—like anger, anxiety, frustration, or sadness—are a natural part of life. They tell us how we’re feeling and what we might need. But sometimes, these emotions can feel overwhelming and make it hard to focus, enjoy our day, or handle challenges. That’s where coping skills come in—they help us take care of ourselves when our feelings feel too big to handle alone.
For example, if you’re feeling angry, something like deep breathing can help your body and mind slow down so you don’t act on that anger in ways you might regret. If you’re feeling anxious, grounding exercises—like focusing on what you see, hear, and feel around you— can help bring you back to the present moment.
It’s important to remember that all feelings are normal and temporary. Even when they feel intense, they don’t last forever. But while they’re with us, they can affect how we experience our day and the choices we make. That’s why I want you to explore different coping mechanisms and find what works best for you.
Not every coping skill works for everyone. While techniques like deep breathing or meditation might be incredibly helpful for some, they might not resonate with others—and that’s okay! The only way to discover what works for you is to practice.
Take a moment to reflect on the emotions that feel the hardest for you to manage—whether it’s anxiety, frustration, or sadness. Then, think about the tools you’ve used in the past to help yourself feel calmer or more grounded. Maybe it’s listening to music, journaling, moving your body, or talking to someone you trust. These are your coping skills—your “tools.” Keep them in your mental toolbelt and reach for them when you need support.
Having coping skills doesn’t mean we’re avoiding our feelings. It means we’re giving ourselves the chance to process them in a way that feels safe and manageable. The more we practice, the better we get at using these tools, and the more confident we become in navigating life’s ups and downs.
Remember, emotions are part of what makes us human, and learning to care for ourselves through them is a powerful act of self-love and resilience.