From Stigma to Strength: Shifting Views on Therapy

Coffee Break Conversations with Asu Asher, LLMSW, Outpatient Therapist

In Wedgwood’s Coffee Break Conversation podcast, Hillary and Asu Asher, LLMSW, Outpatient Therapist, discuss what seeking professional help for your mental health can look like, the importance of breaking the stigma of therapy, and the benefits of counseling.

Asu shares his experience with the cultural differences in mental health from where his family comes from (Rwanda). He also emphasizes that seeking help shows strength, not weakness.

What does counseling really look like?

Therapy is a comfortable environment where clients can safely share what is going on. However, counseling goes deeper and requires personal commitment and the willingness to take steps on your journey. Many discussions can be challenging, especially when they touch on uncomfortable topics, which may make you feel vulnerable. Seeking therapy is a sign of strength, and recognizing the need for help can be the most difficult step.

Check out our blog by Tamra Pell, LMSW, Wedgwood Outpatient Therapist, for guidance on navigating hard conversations.

Talking to a therapist is incredibly valuable due to their experience, knowledge, and education. Just as you would consult a specialist for physical pain, seeing a professional for emotional distress ensures you receive the best care for your emotional well-being. While talking with trusted friends, mentors, or pastors can be beneficial, a therapist offers external, objective insight that can help you better understand and manage your feelings and situations.

How does therapy help your mental health?

A professional can design a personalized treatment plan for you that aligns with your unique needs and goals. Asu says, “As clinicians, we want to help our clients to be held accountable towards their goals.” With a treatment plan tailored to you and having ongoing encouragement from your therapist who holds you accountable, you can better identify and confront your challenges.

It is common to turn to social media for quick fixes, seeking immediate solutions. Many people go online, take that advice, and see how it works in their lives. While online advice may provide temporary relief, the actual treatment plan therapy offers to treat the problem is lacking. Therapy can feel difficult because it doesn’t offer instant results; it requires time and active engagement. At Wedgwood, our therapists are dedicated to discovering the root causes of your symptoms or challenges, helping you address underlying issues effectively.

Why is therapy important?

Once you learn and gain insight into your feelings, you’ll start to recognize how they influence your behavior. This process of self-discovery is a core component of therapy. Throughout therapy, you start to become more self-aware by observing how certain situations trigger specific emotions and connect with your feelings. Automatic thoughts–those quick, often subconscious responses to situations–can often lead to confusion and anxiety about your behavior. In therapy, professionals help identify these barriers and develop a plan to overcome them, reducing any anxiety and guiding you toward your goals while improving your quality of life.

As Asu says, “Do something today for tomorrow,” which encapsulates what therapy aims to achieve. Therapy emphasizes taking proactive steps now to build long-term well-being and growth.

Why you should invest in prioritizing your mental health.

Investing in your mental health is a crucial step towards becoming the best version of yourself. Begin by seeking services and making changes to your daily routine. You can start seeing improvements in your well-being by incorporating new practices and approaches. Once you define your goals, investing in yourself becomes clearer and more attainable.

To learn more reasons why you should invest in your mental health, visit our blog by Lisa Rosario, MA, LLC, Wedgwood Outpatient Therapist. Her insights offer valuable reasons and professional advice on how to make mental health a central focus in your life.

Wedgwood is here to help!

At Wedgwood Christian Services, you’ll find a caring and compassionate team of professionals who understand the complexities of mental health and are committed to providing individualized care that meets your unique needs. Wedgwood’s holistic approach offers a comprehensive range of services to help you or your loved one achieve mental health growth & progress.

Wedgwood Christian Services is located on the southeast side of Grand Rapids in West Michigan.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, Wedgwood’s Counseling and Psychiatric Services have immediate openings. You can contact the Bouma Counseling Center at (616) 942-7294 or email counseling@wedgwood.org for more information.

 

Want to learn more about the positive impact of counseling? Check out Wedgwood’s Coffee Break Conversation to see the full episode with Asu on our YouTube channel or the Wedgwood Podcast – available wherever you get your podcasts.