Psychotherapy has been shown to help people of all ages to cope with different types of problems, from depression to anxiety, to phobias, to drug abuse. Many people are reluctant or opposed for a variety of reasons. If someone you know needs a therapist, there are various ways to approach the subject without embarrassing or embarrassing them. Therefore, in order for a friend or loved one to get the help they need, it is essential to know how to act with discretion.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Encouraging Someone Who Biases About Psychotherapy
Step 1. Tell your friend or person you care about that what they hear is normal
If the person you are urging to see a therapist is suffering from a mood disorder or is suffering from an addiction or is simply going through a difficult time, the first step in eliminating any bias towards psychotherapy is to tell them that what they are feeling it's normal. Remind her that people of her age, gender, ethnicity, nationality, and that all those who go through the same difficulties as her can follow a path of psychotherapy, without feeling pointed or embarrassed.
Step 2. Also remind her that her problems are caused by a pathological state
Depression, anxiety and phobias are all problems that compromise psycho-physical well-being. Drug addiction is also, at its core, a health problem.
Try comparing therapy to doctor visits. Ask the other person, "You wouldn't hesitate to see your doctor about a heart or lung problem, right? So why is it different in this case?"
Step 3. Insist that everyone happens to need help
According to the first epidemiological study on the prevalence of mental disorders, in which six European countries (Italy, Belgium, France, Germany, Holland and Spain) took part in Italy, about 7% of respondents met the diagnostic criteria for at least one mental disorder in the course of life, or about one in five people.
Try saying, "I'm close to you no matter what. I won't change my mind about you because you need help."
Step 4. Let her know that you support her
Being told that you will not consider her differently just because she decides to go to therapy, she will be convinced that there is no prejudice about consulting a psychotherapist.
Part 2 of 3: Encourage Someone Who Fears Psychotherapy
Step 1. Ask the person in question to define precisely what their fears are
By bringing her to open up to what worries her most, you will take a first step in the process that will prompt her to turn to the psychotherapist.
- Try to start the conversation by sharing some of your fears and concerns with her. This will give her the impression that your conversation is more like a confrontation of ideas about fears and psychotherapy rather than a strategy to force her to ask for help.
- If you have friends who have benefited from psychotherapy, consider mentioning their cases to give the other person some examples of the effectiveness of this path.
- You can also ask people who have achieved positive results thanks to psychotherapy to tell their experience to those who need it to help them defeat their fears and dispel any doubts.
Step 2. Face any fear rationally
Logic and reason are the only tools that allow you to effectively dismantle fears and negative thoughts.
- If the person you love is concerned that psychotherapy will turn into a vicious cycle, tell them it won't. Most of the times the sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy consist of 10-20 sessions in all, although in some cases they can last for a shorter or longer period of time. Sometimes they extend over 1-2 years, depending on the problems being addressed, although some patients feel better even after just one session. Also, remind her that she can always decide to stop therapy. She doesn't have to feel trapped.
- If she is frightened by the total cost of the entire treatment path, help her find a professional with a lower fee or contact the ASL psychologist. Generally, the sessions are covered by the payment of the ticket.
- Regardless of what he is afraid of, try to alleviate his worries by saying, "It's not a problem," and offer some solution or course of action.
- Some therapists offer a free consultation over the phone before making an appointment. In this way, those who feel the need to go to psychotherapy have the opportunity to ask some questions about their fears and also begin to know who to trust.
Step 3. Help find a therapist
It is not difficult to find a psychologist who meets the patient's needs. Try to consult these two sites: https://www.elencopsicologi.it/ and
Step 4. Make a plan to accompany the person in question to the therapist's office for the first meeting
You will probably not be able to attend sessions, but if he can have moral support, he may more easily accept psychotherapy. Some professionals also allow others to participate in the meetings, naturally with the patient's consent.
Part 3 of 3: Encourage Someone Who Is Afraid of Being Vulnerable During Therapy
Step 1. Inform the other person that there is a confidentiality relationship between doctor and patient
Everything you say during the sessions is strictly confidential.
Privacy laws differ from one country to another, but generally all psychologists are required to obtain the patient's informed consent, verbally and in writing. You can ask for a copy of this document before starting therapy
Step 2. Ask what he finds frightening about exposing himself
Remind the other person that he can get tremendous relief by crying or sharing a problem with someone. According to recent polls, nearly 89% of people feel a little better after venting their emotions by crying. In addition, doctors strongly recommend that you talk about your problems to find some peace of mind.
- Try saying, "It's normal to open up to someone. That's what friends and people you love are for. You need to build a relationship with your therapist, and honesty is the only way to do that."
- Point out that it can be terrifying to unravel the tangle of feelings, especially if they have been kept repressed, but that the therapist has the skills and tools to help patients manage pain in a healthy way, while avoiding feeling overwhelmed.
Step 3. Remind the other person what results they can expect
The worst thing that could happen in therapy is that nothing changes. However, the best case scenario is that he will find comfort and relief and that he will discover a new view of things.
- Reiterate once again that you will not walk away no matter what happens.
- Encourage the other person to be open and honest with their therapist and to explain what is wrong with them. The latter may try a different approach or help you find another professional more suited to your needs.
Advice
- He recommends explaining to the attending physician the need for therapy, asking him for advice and assistance. This is an important tip since therapists cannot prescribe drugs unless they also have a medical degree. The primary care physician may consider antidepressants, or other medications, essential in the treatment path.
- Help the person in question search for a therapist on the Internet. Offer to make the appointment if she's too nervous to do it alone.
- Try these online resources to find a psychologist in your region: https://www.elencopsicologi.it/ and
Warnings
- If the person in question expresses an intention to commit suicide, do not delay. Seek professional help immediately.
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Always check the psychologist's titles and qualifications.
You can also check them on the Internet. If in doubt, contact the trade associations that regulate the exercise of the profession. Your primary care physician should also be able to help you review all the information you need.
