The benefits of verbalizing our feelings by talking to a therapist, have long been proven to help us on a therapeutic and scientific level. But if you've never experienced therapy before, like any new change, it may seem a bit scary. We could share with you the research behind how therapy can help you overcome trauma and live a fulfilling life, but instead we will let some real people share how therapy helped them (in some surprising ways too).

What was the biggest benefit you got from talking to a therapist?

• "The biggest benefit I received from talking to a therapist was validation of my experience. Despite my training and experience in the mental health field, I often find myself quietly self-shaming my internal experiences. There really is no hack code for experiencing unconditional acceptance and non-judgmental validation; it has to come from another person." — Molly Hayes

• "Tools for coping with all of life's every day stresses. On top of helping me work through my baggage, the tools to help me better manage future issues continue to be so beneficial in my day-to-day. Often very simple explanations, suggestions have had the greatest impact." — Amanda S

• "It's a great way to check in with yourself, sit with your emotions and release any stress or negative energy that may be brewing." — Monsy

• "I didn't know how much I would benefit from a third party to not only listen, but interpret my struggles. To have another ear to listen and voice to respond that isn't directly connected with your own issues is extremely helpful!" — Bonnie

• "I think my biggest benefit and certainly a feeling of relief was, the weight off my chest, a 'letting go' type of experience. Being able to open up to a professional without a fear of personal judgment really helped the encounter." — Joel

• "I owe a great deal of gratitude to therapy. If not for the therapists I've worked with over the years, I never even would have been able to identify my trauma and put it into words. Going through the therapy process has allowed me to identify my issues, process them and develop tools and skills to move past them." — Amber Craig

• "I think the benefits intertwined for me. Recognition that I wasn't responsible for someone else's actions, validation that what I was going through was real, and tools to help me work through both the process and change." — Shandra Carlson

What is the biggest stigma about therapy, in your opinion?

• "There's this misconception that we should be able to figure out life on our own, and that going to therapist means you're either crazy or weak, when in reality I believe it's so healthy to seek advice and learn from the wisdom that someone else can offer!" — Bonnie

• "That you have to have something wrong with you. Therapy is as great a tool for prevention of emotional imbalances as it is for working through current ones." — Amanda S

• "In social circles, I have noticed a stigma pertaining to the potential of diagnoses relating to therapy. It appears that some people believe that seeing a therapist means that at the end of a session or series of sessions that one will receive a permanent diagnosis for a mental illness. Fearing the judgment, misjudgment, and permanence of consequences for expressing one’s inner experiences, people avoid it. This comes from a pervasive misunderstanding of the experiences and goals of therapy and diagnostic procedures." — Molly Hayes

• "That it means you are weak or have 'issues'. The reality is, there isn't a person on the planet that can't benefit from therapy. Even when I'm feeling unstoppable and on top of the world with my healing, I can have an amazing therapy session just the same and come out of that conversation having improved some area of my life." — Amber Craig

• "I've heard many people say they don't need that 'crap', yet without giving it an opportunity, how do they know? The stigma that independence = I'm okay or maybe even better than those who don't 'need' therapy, can keep people from becoming the best version of themselves." — Shandra Carlson

Who do you think can benefit from therapy?

• "I truly believe everyone can. There is not one person that has picture-perfect past without some form, small or large, of trauma, bullying, abandonment, neglect, hostility, etc." — Joel

• "I am a firm believer that there is an appropriate therapy out there for everyone." – Amanda S

• "Every single person!" — Amber Craig

• "What Amber said! If connected with the 'right' therapist, we all benefit." — Shandra Carlson

What forms of therapy, besides talk therapy, have you had success with? 

• "Journalling has to be my favourite form of therapy. Sometimes I'm not sure what I'm feeling until I've written my thoughts and feelings on paper. Feelings can seem so overwhelming until I have the chance to organize them." — Monsy

• "I’ve had a lot of success “trying on” the therapies of other cultures i.e. sweat lodges, Eastern meditation practices, travel, etc." — Molly Hayes

• "I've tried lots of forms of therapy, and my biggest successes have come from spiritual ceremonies like guided meditations, sweat lodges, etc. I have also found writing and journalling to be extremely helpful, as well as music and physical activity." — Amber Craig

• "I have a phenomenal support system with my family and friends, which I consider a form of therapy for me! I fought journaling for years but finally decided to give it a go, and it has definitely become one of my greatest treasures." — Shandra Carlson

Are you interested in talk therapy for your trauma healing? Click here to learn about our Therapy Grant Program.