Do You Need Therapy? How to Know If You Need to See a Therapist

How do you know if you need to see a therapist? Why do most people put it off or avoid therapy? In this video, I discuss one way to let go of the stigma around mental health and getting help, as well as signs that the benefits of therapy outweigh the costs.

Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC, and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health.

About Me:
I’m Emma McAdam. I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I have worked in various settings of change and growth since 2004. My experience includes juvenile corrections, adventure therapy programs, wilderness therapy programs, an eating disorder treatment center, a residential treatment center, and I currently work in an outpatient therapy clinic.

In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC
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[PleaseNThankYou]

I wish my son would agree to speak to someone.it's driving me crazy! My whole household is mentally ill and since my daughter moved back home with the grandkids, it's gotten much worse. Now my son, mentally ill since young childhood, is back. I'm the only one who admits a problem and Jim the only one with insurance.you said there is counseling for those who have loved ones in crisis. What should i look for in credentialing and experience to he'll with this type of therapy. Thank you for your reply in advance...GigiQ

[charlotteyulick]

i’m scared to ask my mom for a therapist because i feel like she won’t have enough money or she’ll think i’m broken and i don’t want her to know that i’m not happy

[toddboothbee]

Poor because I need therapy, but too poor to get therapy.

[CaylynAdamko]

This was a really great video. Super comprehensive and as a long time therapy client, I still found this helpful.

[kimiriz]

Yes we go for therapy not only for ourselves but hoping when we benefit, can help people from our own family and many others who are willing to hear. We should not wait till it is too late. Everyone faces problems and some for a long time like mine over 40 years and have been trying hard to improve my own condition over the years before we came across Emma's and Anna's videos. Don't add onto our miseries by getting angry with us when we are not able to help you deal with your own problems by mocking. ridiculing, and making all kinds of demands. Blaming games add on to our problems. When our problems get worse, like having suicidal thoughts we would excommunicate toxic people from our life including those who blame us in time of their needs as we can't help them as we ourselves have to cope with many issues faced. We can do our part in some small ways but can't take too much pressures. We are grateful to Emma n Anna for their contributions in easing things by sharing generously with people like us.

[karansidhpura]

Thank you so much! I am able to move on in life first slowly and then normally. Yet for once I will visit one to get answers to the questions which I could not get for a long time.

[bharatirai]

I too feel suicidal sometimes but not all the time, sometimes I feel fine.

[seastm]

I have been sure that I need a therapy for 2 years, I think this is something I've had always, I don't remember myself being normal, and I hope everything gets better, it's hard to believe in this but I'll try.

[Lisa-pedl]

Thank you,
personal trainer for the brain and mind, life coping skills 😊

[juliannaokike]

Every good counselor has a counselor of their own to process their own view of the situation or problems that they have to sort out on each persons case or behalf.

[amina..]

everyone in my school chat was telling me i need therapy so now im here

[Godblessya]

Can you pls guide me how to deal with procrastination that’s stuck with me for decades now?

[felizitasschoel-zztz]

I’ve talked to my parents about how I feel and they’re going to help me find a therapist. It was a hard talk more than worth it though. I do know that what is going on has impacted on my life and is really hard to deal with so I’ll at least try and if in the end I’m just overreacting then that’s how it is I guess…

[TheRindy]

What about if the person is just the "identified patient"? everybody else agrees that you're the problem but they have played an active part in forming those problems either though direct action or neglect?

[faithcooper]

It is also hard to find a good therapist match when you move.

[cleverclovercreates]

My mom seems to think I should consider a therapist for my horrible anxiety but I think it’s too expensive. She says my parents can figure it out but I know it’s been extra hard for them lately with money. Also I think if I said to my dad I want a therapist he’d think I was being soooo dramatic and would just think it’s stupid. I don’t really give details on my anxiety to him, he never seems to take it too seriously. What should I do? And is online therapy good and what exactly is it?

[DynastyHeroes]

I want to solve my problems and get better but im skeptical if it will work i did online therapy and i dont think it helped.

[kitsicles]

I am trying to get therapists my mom has insurance for, but so far no one has called us back! How long do I need to wait?

[seastm]

The worst thing is that I have cried at home many many many times, and my mom has seen me crying, I was telling her I needed a therapy but she told pray. Yes, okay, but than everything got bad the next day, ah, she thinks psychologists are crazy people or something, but I don't think she's certain about that. I have told about my mental problems some of my friends but if happens something that makes me anxious (in a weird way, cause for a healthy person it's okay) they won't understand me . They don't have to understand me, I think I wouldn't understand someone like me if I didn't have that kind of problems. But it hurts so bad...

[anairizarry]

I get mad easly and I feel like I need a therapist