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Is Therapy Any Different From Talking to a Friend?

Published on

19th Apr 2018

Is Therapy Any Different From Talking to a Friend?

When we are going through a tough time, our natural instinct might be to speak to one of our closest friends. They are often able to provide the comfort and support we might need and can even offer some helpful advice. So the question that arises then, is why see a therapist at all?

Here are a few reasons why talking to a therapist is different from talking to a friend, and why in some situations, it might even be the better alternative.

1. Therapists are experienced professionals

Therapists usually have years of training and experience in human behaviour, thought and emotions. They understand the complexities of emotions and interpersonal relationships and are trained in effective ways to deal with various problems. Your friend might want to help you but could lack this training and background to completely understand what you are experiencing.

2. Therapists remain objective

Your friend might come with their own views and perceptions of the world, which could colour their advice. A therapist on the other hand, while having their unique opinions, is trained to put them aside in order to support and help you in the way you require. This means dealing with biases related to gender, age, sexuality and more, which could otherwise interfere with a helping relationship.

Also Read - 6 Questions to Ask Your Therapist

3. Therapists are non-judgmental

At times, you might feel worried about sharing something with a friend, for fear that they would feel upset or disappointed with you. A therapist will listen to you and respond with empathy, care and concern. This creates the space for a relationship in which you feel comfortable sharing, without the fear of being shamed or judged.

4. A client-therapist relationship is strictly confidential

Therapists maintain and uphold a strict confidentiality agreement. This means that they do not share the intricacies of your life with anyone else. As a result, you can be more open and honest in therapy, without having to worry that other people might learn about your problems.

5. Therapy is a goal-oriented process

A therapist will usually work with you to set goals for progress. As part of this professional relationship, your therapist will regularly check in during sessions to ensure that both of you are on track. While talking to a friend might be cathartic, and could make you feel loved and cared for, it might not provide you with insights on how to bring about change.

6. Therapy provides you with lifelong learnings

A friend’s advice might be perfect for the time being or make you feel better temporarily, but might not be applicable to a range of scenarios. Therapy is intended to equip you with the skills and techniques you can apply to a number of concerns in order to feel better and in control.

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Amaha is equipped to provide care and support for individuals experiencing severe psychological distress, including schizophrenia and other psychotic conditions. For those in need of more intensive care and daily support, we are launching an in-patient care facility in Bengaluru soon.

If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of self-harm, suicide, or any other life-threatening situation, contact a helpline or go to the nearest hospital or emergency room. Having a close family member or friend with you for support can be invaluable during this time.

For emergency mental health support, please call the national Tele MANAS helpline at 1-800 891 4416.
About Amaha
About Us
Careers
Amaha In Media
For Therapists
Contact Us
Help/FAQs
Services
Adult Therapy
Adult Psychiatry
Children First Services
Couples Therapy
Self-Care
Community
Psychometric Assessments
Conditions
Depression
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
OCD
ADHD
Social Anxiety
Women's Health
Professionals
Therapists
Psychiatrists
Couples Therapists
Partnerships
Employee Well-being Programme
Our Approach & Offerings
Webinars & Workshops
College Well-being Programme
LIBRARY
All Resources
Articles
Videos
Assessments
Locations
Bengaluru
Mumbai
New Delhi
ISO Icon
HIPAA Icon
EU GDPR Icon

Build a good life for yourself
with Amaha

Best App
for Good

on Google Play India
Awarded "The Best App for Good" by Google Play in 2020
AppStore Button
©
Amaha
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Cancellation Policy
Sitemap
Hall of Fame
Disclaimer:
Amaha is equipped to provide care and support for individuals experiencing severe psychological distress, including schizophrenia and other psychotic conditions. For those in need of more intensive care and daily support, we are launching an in-patient care facility in Bengaluru soon.

If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of self-harm, suicide, or any other life-threatening situation, contact a helpline or go to the nearest hospital or emergency room. Having a close family member or friend with you for support can be invaluable during this time.

For emergency mental health support, please call the national Tele MANAS helpline at 1-800 891 4416.