“Do I really need therapy?”
This question comes up for many people—especially those who are functioning well on the outside but quietly struggling on the inside. You might feel unsure if your problems are “serious enough,” or worried that reaching out means you’ve somehow failed.
Here’s the truth: you don’t need to hit rock bottom to benefit from therapy. You don’t need a diagnosis. You don’t need a crisis. You just need to notice that something doesn’t feel right—and be open to change.
Whether you’re overwhelmed, stuck, numb, confused, or simply curious, therapy can offer a safe, confidential space to explore your inner world, improve relationships, and strengthen emotional resilience.
Signs It Might Be Time to Talk to a Therapist
Therapy isn’t only for mental health emergencies. It’s also for:
- Navigating life transitions or identity changes
- Understanding emotional patterns that keep repeating
- Improving self-worth, motivation, or purpose
- Processing trauma or past experiences
- Managing stress, anxiety, or overthinking
- Supporting a diagnosis like ADHD, depression, or PTSD
- Learning emotion regulation and mindfulness tools
- Getting support with parenting, relationships, or career burnout
Some common signs include:
- Feeling disconnected from yourself or others
- Difficulty sleeping, focusing, or managing daily routines
- Irritability or sadness that won’t go away
- Overwhelm, guilt, or a sense of “not being enough”
- Constant self-criticism or perfectionism
- Avoiding situations, people, or emotions
- Wondering if you’ve lost your sense of direction or meaning
Even if you can “keep going,” you deserve to feel better—not just function.
But What Will Therapy Actually Do?
Therapy offers a chance to:
- Speak honestly without judgment
- Understand where your patterns come from
- Build new emotional tools and strategies
- Feel more present and less reactive
- Reconnect with your values, body, and relationships
- Process old pain so it doesn’t control your present
- Learn how to navigate change with steadiness
It’s not magic—but over time, therapy can help you feel more like yourself again (or maybe, for the first time).
What to Expect in Your First Session
If you’ve never been to therapy before, you might feel nervous. That’s completely normal.
Here’s what the first session often looks like:
- A warm, conversational space—no couch or clipboard stereotypes
- A chance to tell your story in your own words
- Questions about what’s been going on and what you’re hoping for
- Time to ask your questions about the process
The beginning of a collaborative plan—based on your needs, pace, and comfort level
You are always in control. You can go as deep or as slow as you want. Therapy is not about “fixing”—it’s about being supported while growing.
Who Is Therapy For?
Therapy is for:
- Adults navigating anxiety, burnout, or trauma
- Couples wanting to improve communication and intimacy
- Parents seeking support for children with ADHD, giftedness, or sensitivity
- People living with neurodivergence (e.g., ADHD, 2e, ASD)
- Professionals balancing achievement with emotional fatigue
- Those grieving, growing, or simply wanting to live more fully
You don’t need to be in crisis. You just need to be ready to get curious about your experience—and open to support.
FAQs About Starting Therapy
Q: Do I have to talk about my childhood?
A:Only if and when it feels relevant and safe. Many clients focus on present issues first.
Q: Will I get a diagnosis?
A: Only if it’s helpful or necessary for your treatment plan. We can discuss it openly.
Q: Can I do therapy online?
A: Yes. I offer secure video sessions across Queensland and Australia, with in-person appointments available by request.
Q: How long will I need to come?
A: That’s up to you. Some people come short-term for clarity. Others stay longer for deeper work. We’ll decide together.
Therapy Is an Investment in You
Life is busy. Therapy gives you one space that’s just for you—where you don’t have to perform, solve, or explain. It’s a place to land, reflect, process, and recalibrate. Whether you’ve been thinking about this for months, or you’re deciding right now, I invite you to take that first step.
To make an appointment with Dr. Scott Terry, please Book Online or call Vision Psychology Brisbane on 07 3088 5422.