Self help Resources
When do you need therapy?
People need therapy to help them with emotional problems. Sometimes, people aren’t ready to meet with a therapist, so I’ve created this page which includes a number of self help resources to get you started on your healing journey.
WHEN SELF-HELP MAY BE ENOUGH
Most problems don’t need therapy. It is overkill. In fact, instead of therapy, self-help resources may be enough and it starts in a bookstore where there are many helpful books. So, I always advise people to start slowly, talk a lot with friends and read blogs and books before getting a therapist..
There is also a lot of information available on the internet. Some good and some not so good. Social media provides a lot of advice. Experts provide a lot of advice. The problem is always that there is too much advice from too many people. So, the problem may become choosing what advice is the best advice. Here are some resources that may be helpful on some important topics.
SUICIDE, CHILD ABUSE & DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
ADDICTION, DEPRESSION & MEDICATION
GOING BEYOND THE PROBLEM
Naming the Problem With A Diagnosis
Giving something a name can help but also can cause problems. It gives boundaries to what a person is experiencing. For example, giving a diagnosis is a scientific way to naming problems. Although there is no magic in a diagnosis, people feel a lot of relief in knowing the diagnosis of a problem.
The catch is to get the right diagnosis. There is a lot of subjectivity mixed in with objectivity. As much as people can get relief from getting a diagnosis, it can lead to more problems than relief. Feel free to ask about diagnoses that you’ve been given. I can tell in plain English what it all means.
Keeping it Small
In solving problems, it’s important to keep it small. That’s it: keep it small. In solving problems, keeping it small will make them doable. Starting small means that it is important to have as few assumptions as possible on what is necessary to solve the problem. That way, a person won’t be overwhelmed with too much information that can lead to a lot of confusion. The goal is to get just enough information to get started but not to get confused.
WHEN SELF HELP BOOKS & BLOGS AREN'T ENOUGH
It may be a good idea to stop using self-help books if they don’t work. That means that there just may be too many books that try to help you. Despite trying to stay with small problems, small diagnoses, and small solutions, it may be necessary to consider a more complex understanding of what is causing you emotional pain. It may be time to turn to therapists to give you some direction. They’ll be your guide as you work your way back to health.