Using Therapy As A Tool vs. A Crutch

Therapy is a tool that can help people improve their mental health and well-being. However, some individuals may find themselves becoming addicted to therapy, using it as a crutch or a form of escape from their daily lives. In this blog post, we will explore what it means to be addicted to therapy, the reasons behind it, and how to overcome it.

What is therapy addiction?

Therapy addiction, also known as therapy dependency, is a condition where individuals become reliant on therapy as a coping mechanism for their problems. People who are addicted to therapy may feel a constant need to attend sessions, even if they do not necessarily need them. They may also become anxious or distressed if they are unable to attend therapy.

There is no specific cause of therapy addiction, but it is often related to underlying mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. Individuals who have experienced a traumatic event, for example, may become may become addicted to therapy as a way to cope with their emotions and avoid dealing with the root cause of their trauma.

The signs of therapy addiction can vary, but some common ones include:

How to overcome therapy addiction

If you suspect that you or someone you know is addicted to therapy, the first step is to acknowledge that there is a problem. Here are some tips on how to overcome therapy addiction:

  1. Seek professional help

It may seem counterintuitive, but seeking professional help from the right therapist or counselor can be an important step in overcoming therapy addiction. A trained mental health professional can help you understand the underlying causes of your addiction and provide you with tools and techniques to manage your symptoms.

  1. Set realistic expectations

Therapy can be helpful, but it is not a magic cure. It is important to set realistic expectations for what therapy can achieve and to understand that it takes time and effort to see results.

  1. Develop coping strategies

Learning healthy coping strategies can help you manage your emotions and reduce your dependence on therapy. This may include things like meditation, exercise, journaling, or talking to a trusted friend or family member.

  1. Take action

Therapy can be a valuable tool, but it is not a substitute for taking action in your life. It is important to set goals, make decisions, and take steps toward positive change outside of therapy.

In conclusion, therapy addiction is a real phenomenon that can have negative consequences for an individual's mental health and well-being. Recognizing the signs of therapy addiction and seeking professional help are important steps in overcoming it. Developing healthy coping strategies and taking action in your life can also help you manage your emotions and reduce your dependence on therapy.

How To Find The Right Therapist

Finding a mental health therapist can be a daunting task, but it is important to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength and courage. With the right therapist, you can work through difficult emotions and challenges, improve your relationships and overall well-being, and achieve a greater sense of self-awareness and inner peace.

Here are some tips to help you find a mental health therapist that is right for you:

  1. Research different types of therapists. There are many different types of therapists, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors. Each type of therapist has their own unique training and approach to therapy.
  2. Look for a therapist who specializes in your specific needs. If you are dealing with a specific mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety, look for a therapist who has experience treating that condition.
  3. Consider the therapist's qualifications and credentials. Look for a therapist who is licensed and has a good reputation. You can also check with professional organizations, such as the American Psychological Association, for a list of qualified therapists in your area.
  4. Check your insurance coverage. Many insurance plans cover mental health services, so make sure to check with your insurance provider to find out what is covered and what the cost will be.
  5. Find a therapist you feel comfortable with. It is important to find a therapist that you feel comfortable talking to and that you trust. A good therapist will be empathetic, non-judgmental, and respectful of your feelings and needs.
  6. Make a list of potential therapists. Once you have gathered some information about different therapists, make a list of potential therapists that you would like to see.
  7. Contact the therapist. Once you have a list of potential therapists, contact them to ask about their availability and to schedule an initial appointment.
  8. Evaluate the first session. After the first session, evaluate whether you feel comfortable with the therapist and whether you think the therapist can help you. If you do not feel comfortable or think the therapist is not a good fit, you can always try another therapist.

Remember, finding the right therapist takes time and patience. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find the right therapist right away. Keep searching until you find someone who is the right fit for you.

Finding A Therapist In Riverside, California

While Riverside, CA maybe in the top 15 largest cities in the state of California, it is known as a big city with a small-town feel.  In fact, there are many smaller communities inside the city limits; each with their own feel or flavor: Orangecrest, Canyon Crest, La Sierra Heights, Alessandro Heights, Mission Grove, Hawarden Hill and the Wood Street, just to name a few.

Riverside is known for being very hot in the summers and don’t even get me started on the 91 freeway, but overall, there are a lot of advantages to living in Riverside.  There is a wide variety of things to do in the city and a vast array of options just an hour away.

Riverside does not have the congestion of more major metropolitan cites such as Los Angeles or San Francsico but it does have just as many things to do.  Not only is downtown Riverside home to the Fox Theatre and Mission Inn, you can also find several museums and a wide variety of bars and restaurants. 

If you are looking for something to do outside, Riverside offers numerous golf courses, skate parks, hiking trails and parks.  Speaking of parks, did you know that Fairmount Park consists of 250 acres!  There are tennis courts, a golf course, playgrounds, barbecues, trails, lawn bowling, a rose garden and of course Lake Evans which offers sailing, fishing and pedal boating.  Scattered throughout Riverside are many historical buildings and landmarks, including Mount Roubidoux.

If you are looking for a day trip or quick weekend getaway, Riverside is just an hour or 2 from the desert (Palm Springs, Joshua Tree and Desert Hot Springs), the mountains (Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead) and various beaches (Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach).

With so many things to do you may wonder why you aren’t happy or satisfied with life.  Maybe you are doing too much and need some support.  That’s where I come in.  I am here to help you get from where you are to where you want to be.

There are also a lot of therapists, counselors and psychologists in Riverside.  I’d like to help you find someone who is a good fit for you.  What do I mean by fit?  It is important that you find someone that you feel comfortable with, someone that you can eventually open up to about all those things that make you feel inadequate or less than.  You need to feel safe being vulnerable.  You need to feel accepted rather than judged. 

Other important factors to consider are more logistical.  You need to make sure that their schedule matches yours.  You may find a therapist you love but if you work 9-5pm and they don’t offer evening or weekend appointments, it may not be a good fit.  Also, if finances play a major role in your decision, be sure to confirm their rates or whether they accept your specific insurance.  (More about that in my blog on therapy and finances) I hope this helps you enjoy Riverside a little bit more, as well as find a life changing therapist.  If you still feel stuck, you can reach out to me at 951-743-9010 and schedule a free 15-minute consultation.