Therapy is a professional service provided by licensed mental health professionals aimed at improving an individual’s emotional well-being.
There’s a difference between casual advice and professional therapy. Although support from friends and family is valuable, therapy offers structured methods and strategies for managing mental health.
Therapy isn’t just for conditions such as anxiety disorders or serious issues such as trauma. Mental health professionals can help with everyday stressors and life events such as breakups and grief.
Therapy sessions are confidential and a safe space to share all your thoughts and feelings.
Acknowledging that the decision to start therapy can be a significant and personal step is important for both content creators and their audiences.
Learn more about therapy and ways to help
Don’t generalize or make assumptions about therapy based on your experience. Therapy is a personal journey, and what works for you may not work for someone else.
It’s OK to communicate that finding the right therapist can take time, but avoid oversharing about difficult therapy experiences that may discourage people from seeking help themselves.
Steer clear of giving specific medical or therapeutic advice. Instead, encourage your followers to consult with a professional for their unique situations.
Resist the urge to share intimate details of your therapy sessions that could compromise your or your therapist’s privacy.
Encourage open and honest conversations about mental health by sharing your decision to start therapy and the positive impacts it has had on your life.
Normalize the therapy experience by discussing how it’s a common and effective tool for personal growth and mental health management.
Convey to your audience that finding the right therapist may take time, and it’s OK to keep searching if they haven’t yet found the right connection.
Highlight the diversity of therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, group therapy, and online therapy, to educate your audience on the options available.
Promote the idea that seeking therapy is a proactive and brave choice, not a sign of weakness.
Explore topics uniquely relevant to your journey and audience. Engage with content that enhances your understanding and equips you to manage your specific mental health needs effectively.
A Project of The Jed Foundation in collaboration with the Mental Health Storytelling Coalition.
Is mental health advocacy a priority for you? Do you have ideas about info, tips or resources that could be added to the guide? Are you down to help us promote this guide to other creators?
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