Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Encourage someone who stigmatizes therapy
• Method 2 of 3: Encourage someone who is afraid of therapy
• Method 3 of 3: Encourage someone who is afraid of being vulnerable during therapy
• Tips
• Warnings

It has been proven that therapy can help people of all ages with a variety of problems. These problems range from depression and anxiety to phobias and the use of narcotics. Many people are reluctant or simply unwilling to seek therapy for a variety of reasons. If someone you know, such as a close friend or loved one, is in need of therapy in your view, there are several ways you can broach the topic without triggering unwanted shame or embarrassment in the person. Knowing how to do this in an unobtrusive way is critical so that you can give your loved ones the help they need.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Encourage someone who stigmatizes therapy

1. Tell your close friend, or loved one that what he or she is feeling is normal. Whether the person you are trying to encourage to see a therapist is suffering from a mental health disorder, is struggling with addiction, or is simply going through a difficult time - making it known to your loved one that what he or she is feeling is normal the first step you need to take to change the negative perception of therapy. Remind the person that others of the same age, ethnicity, nationality, same sex, and people struggling with the same can access and use therapy without stigma or shame.
2. Remind the person that his or her problems are the result of a medical condition. Depression, anxiety and phobias are considered medical problems. Addiction is also considered a medical problem.
   • Try to compare therapy with seeing a doctor for another medical condition. Ask the person you want to help the following questions: “You would go to the doctor if you had problems with your heart or airways, right? So why is visiting a therapist any different? ”
3. Try to emphasize that everyone needs help from time to time. Based on recent research, it has been found that 27% of all adults in the United States have sought and received help for mental health related problems. That is on average more than one in four people or about 80 million people.
   • Try saying something like, “I'll be there for you no matter what. You will not be a different person to me, even if you need professional help. ”
4. Let the person know that you support them. When the person hears that you will not see them differently after seeking professional help, you will likely reassure them and see that there are no stigmas associated with therapy.

Method 2 of 3: Encourage someone who is afraid of therapy

1. Try to get the person to express exactly what he or she fears. Giving the person an opportunity to open up and share their specific fears and concerns with you is a good first step in encouraging the person to seek therapy.
   • Try to open the conversation by expressing some of your own fears and concerns. This may result in the dialogue feeling more like a conversation about anxiety and therapy, rather than making it seem like you're trying to force the other person to seek help.
   • If you have other friends who have benefited greatly from therapy, you might consider using one of these as an example to demonstrate how effective therapy can be.
   • You could also ask a friend who has been in therapy to share his or her experiences with the person in order to ease the fears and answer any questions you may have.
2. Approach any fear with logic. Logic and reason are the only elements you can use to successfully dismantle fear and negative thoughts.
   • If the person is concerned that therapy will turn into a never-ending cycle, tell him or her that it won't. Cognitive behavioral therapy usually consists of ten to twenty sessions, although some treatments will be longer or shorter. Some psychotherapy sessions can take one to two years, however this depends on the problem to be treated, although some patients feel better after just one session. And remember, the person in question can always conclude that he or she has had enough sessions. The number of sessions is not strictly determined in advance.
   • If the person in question is afraid of the costs involved in therapy, then work with him or her to find a therapist whose treatment is (partly) reimbursed by the health insurance or a therapist who works at reduced rates.
   • Regardless of the cause of the person's anxiety, you could try to alleviate any concern by saying something like, "That won't be a problem." You then have to provide a solution or the next step.
   • Some therapists offer a free consultation over the phone before actually making an appointment. This allows the person to ask questions about his or her anxiety and is also the beginning of the introduction to the therapist.
3. Help the person you care about find a therapist. Finding a good therapist for the person in question can be done online quite easily. For example, you could find a suitable therapist using the following website: https://www.zorgkaartnederland.nl/.
4. Offer to accompany the person on his or her first visit to the therapist. You probably won't be able to attend every session, but if the person has someone to support it, it may make the transition to therapy a little easier. Some therapists may allow you to participate in the session. The person you care about must of course agree to this first.

Method 3 of 3: Encourage someone who is afraid of being vulnerable during therapy

1. Inform the person you care about about medical confidentiality. The therapist is bound by professional secrecy towards the client, so the person can be confident that the therapist will not discuss the treatment with anyone else and that everything said is protected and private.
   • Keep in mind that regulations regarding professional secrecy may vary from country to country, but all therapists are required to disclose the details of confidentiality orally and in writing. You should request a copy of the confidentiality agreement signed by the therapist before making an appointment.
2. Ask the person what makes him or her fearful about vulnerability. Remind the person that crying or talking to another person about the problem can be very relieving. Based on recent studies, it has been found that nearly 89% of people feel better after letting their emotions run wild, such as crying. Doctors recommend that everyone talk about problems as it can bring relief to many.
   • Try saying something to your close friend, or loved one along the lines of, “It's good to share your story with someone else. This is what we normally do with friends or family members. You need to build some kind of relationship with a therapist and this is only possible if you are open and honest. ”
   • Remind the person that it can be scary when they have to deal with certain feelings, especially if he or she has repressed the feelings, but that a therapist is trained to help clients process and cope with strong feelings in a way that is safe and at the same time not overwhelming.
3. Try to paint a picture of the possible outcome. The worst that can happen when the person goes to therapy is that it doesn't work in the end. The best outcome would mean that your loved one finds comfort, relief, and a new perspective on life.
   • Make it clear to the person again that you care about them and that you will be there for them no matter what.
   • Encourage the person to be open and honest with the therapist and let him or her explain to the therapist what is not working. The therapist may have a different approach that he or she could try or if necessary, the therapist will refer the client to another therapist who is more appropriate.

Tips

• Bring up the idea that the person can discuss the situation with their doctor first. In consultation with the GP, it can be determined whether therapy is necessary and the person in question can then look for recommendations and support through this channel. This is important as a therapist should not recommend medication unless he or she is medically qualified. The person's doctor may consider prescribing antidepressants or other medications as an essential addition to overall treatment.
• Help your loved one find a therapist. Offer to help him or her book an appointment if he or she is too nervous to go it alone.
• Use helpful websites to find a suitable therapist near you. This is an example of such a website: https://www.zorgkaartnederland.nl/.

Warnings

• If the person is suicidal, there is no time to waste; you should seek professional help immediately.
• Check a therapist's qualifications at all times. Each doctor will have professional credentials that can be verified both online and over the phone. When in doubt, you could contact the relevant professional associations to which professional therapists are affiliated.Your loved one's doctor should also be able to assist with any verifications.