2nd Annual National Psychotherapy Day!

Exactly one year ago, Ryan Howes, Ph.D., launched the first ever National Psychotherapy Day.  In the past 365 days, the support for NPD has ballooned, and includes therapy greats like Irvin Yalom, among others.

Once again, I am strongly promoting and supporting NPD, because I believe, as do many others I know, that therapy has saved my life on so many levels.

The media has been all a buzz lately, attempting to tackle the "mental health crisis" that has sprung up across the nation.  Thing is, it hasn't really sprung up.  It's finally getting some attention.  Some much deserved attention, that sadly has sprung up as a result of numerous crises, often exacerbated by the media.

Mental health is equally as important as physical health.  There is no shame in going to the doctor when you are having physical challenges, why is it so shame-filled and embarrassing to go to the psychotherapist when you're having some emotional challenges?

Let me debunk one myth that I know is common, at least among my peers.

Therapy is not for the weak.  It's not for the broken.  It's not for the sissies, the wimps, the losers, the damaged, the lost......

It's for those who are strong.  It's for those who want to make changes in their lives.  It's for those who are looking to repair the broken parts of life, to move past the bullies, the naysayers, the ones lying in the gutter looking at the stars.  It's for the believers, the dreamers, the wishers, the hopers, the doers, the ones who think differently, who believe there is more in life than what they currently have.

Therapy is for everyone. 

Except the close minded.

So today, on this second annual National Psychotherapy Day, maybe you're ready to step up and be strong.  Maybe you're ready to accept some much needed help to get you to that place in your dreams.  Maybe you're already there, working with a therapist that supports you, and you're ready to step out of the proverbial therapy closet and invite others to give it a try.....

National Psychotherapy Day

Today is the first annual National Psychotherapy Day.  I am proud to share this information with the masses, because I have experienced the benefits of psychotherapy.

This movement is just beginning, and it's an important one.  Therapy should not be reserved for the just special situations.  Therapy should not be seen as a decadent indulgent for the middle class.  No, therapy should be seen as a lifesaving tool.  Cause that's what it is.

Therapy saved my life.  Not once, but twice.  Because at two different periods in my life, my world came crashing down around me and I was unable to dig out from beneath the rubble.  The first crash was as a young adult when I was facing some major life changes.  The therapist I worked with then was more of a short term experience from which I benefited greatly.  The second crash was more recent, and this time, I had a team to help support me, led by my incredible therapist.

See, therapy isn't just a place to go to dump your worries and whine about your life.  Therapy is a place to go if you are seeking change.  Therapy is a place to go if you want to make your life, and your world, better.  Therapy is not for the faint-hearted.  Therapy is not easy.  In fact, it's the hardest work I've ever done.  EVER.

But I'm becoming a better person because of it.  I'm on the road to liking myself, for the first time ever.  And for me, that's a huge step.  While my history may be littered with experiences that would shock many, because of therapy, I know I don't have to let the past define my present, or ruin my future.

To the most amazing team of professionals - my dietitian, my doctor, and of course, my therapist, I am forever grateful for your guidance!

Oh, and please do not think you can't afford therapy - there are people and places out there that will help you!

Read more about National Psychotherapy Day here and find them on Facebook!  Also check out this article written by one of the founders of National Psychotherapy day, as well as these articles written by those who support the day.