The Point of Therapy

A lot of people do not understand what therapy is. They think it’s only for the mentally ill. It’s not. It’s for anyone and everyone. Once you understand what therapy is, you’ll know why. The point of therapy is to provide you a forum for thinking. Thinking is the cornerstone of life. Humans do not live by thinking alone, but thinking is essential to intelligent action. Consider driving a car without paying attention to what’s happening on the road. That’s the metaphor for a life without thinking.

It’s difficult to think objectively. It’s hard to get one’s thinking straight, logical and clear. Thinking inside your head, by yourself, is not always enough. Others are not always available or willing to sound out your thinking, to listen to and critically evaluate it. That’s where a professional comes in. A professional is a sounding board. A professional thinks about your thinking as you think aloud, with him or her. That’s the core of what therapy is. The professional therapist does not sit and look for evidence of craziness or insanity. If those are there, then so be it, but those are usually not there, regardless of how illogical, contradictory or nonsensical thoughts often are. In fact, the therapy client will often identify those as he or she talks. It’s good to get those out, and know those confusing or senseless thoughts are there. The point is not to shame, but to identify. Identifying in itself can set you free.

The medical model we utilize in health care is worthless when it comes to therapy. It’s absurd to go to a medical doctor to think out loud. But with a “thinking doctor”, that’s precisely what you do. The point of therapy is to better comprehend your subconscious thinking, by bringing it out into the open. Shame and judgmentalism must go by the wayside here. In therapy, you identify and understand. You correct or challenge where necessary. You assume there’s an objective reality apart from whatever your subconscious thoughts and feelings are. At the same time, those thoughts and feelings are the reality of your consciousness — your subconscious — and they are directing a lot of what you do, for better or worse. Knowing what they are is crucial. A therapist can help you do that.

It does not matter what your condition, mental illness, psychological syndrome or symptoms really are. The main point is to identify your thinking. Even if you have no such syndrome or disorder, you could benefit from thinking with someone who’s not part of your personal or professional life. A therapist does not think for you. A therapist does not tell you what to think. A therapist helps you become aware of your thinking, and guides you in thinking about your own thinking. It’s as crucial to your mental health — and ultimately your character — as good nutrition is for your body. Do not underestimate its importance.