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Deciding whether you should go to therapy isn’t always an easy decision, it can be a challenging and deeply personal choice. Everybody needs some kind of emotional support, but not everyone needs therapy. Your partner, your friends or your family may give you all the support you need to live the life you want, or you may find that the difficulties you are facing plus the lack of support you have, mean that you need someone else to help you.Here, we’ll explore how to assess if therapy might be a good fit, when professional help is recommended, and what to expect if you decide to give it a try.

More and more Canadians are going to therapy. Some go regularly, to stay mentally and emotionally well. Some have an established therapist, who they see when life is more difficult than usual – much like a family doctor. Other people don’t look for a therapist until life throws them a curveball, whether a new diagnosis, a death, or a breakdown in a relationship.Therapy provides you with an opportunity for personal growth and healing, it offers additional emotional support when your usual support network isn’t there for you, and it is a non-invasive, holistic and effective way of treating many emotional and mental health problems.   Therapy works best when you genuinely click with your therapist— when you find someone who gets you, cares about you, and knows how to help. At The Story Isn’t Over we take seriously our responsibility to find a therapist that is right for you.

The best way to decide if you need therapy is to take a moment, think about what you are dealing with, how long this situation is going to carry on, and what support you have. If you have too much to cope with, know that this is going to go on for a long time, and know that the ones you love aren’t able to give you the support you need, then it may be a good idea to think about going to therapy.

You May Need Therapy If…

1. Your Symptoms Are Affecting Your Daily Life.
If you are struggling to do the things you need to, such as getting to work, sleeping, or paying bills; or if you no longer enjoy the things you used to find pleasure in, then it is probably a good idea to think about going to therapy. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, then we recommend you talk to someone:

• Avoiding social interactions or struggling in relationships.

• Difficulty sleeping or managing daily tasks.

• Poor performance at work or school.

• Challenges with addiction, eating disorders, or self-harm.

• Persistent feelings of depression, anxiety, or hopelessness.

• Thoughts of hurting yourself or others.

In a Crisis: If you feel like hurting yourself or someone else, then you need immediate help. You can call the national crisis support line 988, or 911. If you’d like to know more about coping with a crisis. Link to crisis page

2. Your Symptoms Aren’t Improving.
If your mental health isn’t getting any better, despite talking to your friends and family and trying to eat, sleep and exercise well, it may be time to think about going to therapy. Sometimes you need a helping hand from someone outside your immediate circle who has the training and skills to help you.

3. You’re Facing a Challenging Life Event.
Big life changes—like a breakup, losing a loved one, moving, or a career change—can leave you feeling overwhelmed, and the usual strategies you use to cope no longer work. Even if you have supportive friends and family, therapy can help you process emotions, prevent long-term mental health struggles, and provide coping tools.

Therapy isn’t a magic solution, and it may not feel like the right fit for everyone at every point in their lives. If you try therapy and it doesn’t work, there are alternative ways to find mental health support:

• Peer Support Groups: Connecting with others who’ve faced similar challenges can be incredibly healing.

• Life Coaching: This can provide practical guidance and encouragement.

• Social Support: Leaning on friends and family for emotional support can also be effective.

Research shows that peer support, in some cases, can be as effective as therapy, particularly for conditions like depression and anxiety.

Therapy often requires effort, patience, and an open mind. Here are some tips to set yourself up for success:

‍1. Be Realistic About Expectations.
Therapy is a process, not a quick fix. It can take time to see meaningful changes because the brain’s “rewiring” process involves understanding patterns and gradually changing them.

‍2. Don’t Expect Instructions.
Therapists are trained to guide you toward self-discovery, not to tell you what to do. Their goal is to help you uncover the root causes of your challenges and equip you with tools to address them.

‍3. Communicate Your Needs.
If something about therapy isn’t working, let your therapist know. Whether it’s their approach, your goals, or even the pace of progress, open communication can lead to adjustments that suit you better.

‍4. Explore Different Therapies.
If one type of therapy doesn’t work, try another. Your therapist can help you decide what approach to therapy is best for you.

‍5. Find the Right Therapist.
Not every therapist will be a good fit. It’s okay to try more than one, until you find someone whose style, approach, and personality align with your needs. At The Story Isn’t Over we provide you with a free consult with a different therapist if the first one isn’t right for you.

If you’re on the fence, start by asking yourself how you feel about the idea of therapy. If it feels like something you’re open to trying, there’s little harm in exploring it. You can always stop if it doesn’t feel right. On the other hand, if the thought of therapy doesn’t sit well with you, it may not be the right time—and that’s okay too. Mental health support is not one-size-fits-all, and what works best for you may change over time. Ultimately, the decision to pursue therapy is deeply personal. Whether you choose therapy, or not, remember that seeking help in any form is a sign of strength. You deserve support that works for you, wherever and however you find it.