081. When Should I Consider Seeking Therapy?
If you're experiencing persistent sadness, overwhelming anxiety, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, loss of interest in life, or significant relationship conflicts, it may be time to seek therapy. Therapy doesn’t mean you’re “broken”—it’s a space to better understand yourself, develop coping strategies, and enhance your well-being. The earlier you seek support, the more effective it can be.
082. How Is Therapy Different from Talking to a Friend?
Therapy is a structured, professional process conducted by a trained mental health clinician within ethical and confidential boundaries. Unlike casual conversations, therapy has specific goals, methods, and theoretical foundations. While talking to friends can provide emotional relief, therapy focuses on long-term growth by helping you change patterns of thinking, feeling, and behavior.
083. What’s the Difference Between Therapy and Psychiatry?
Therapy (psychotherapy) emphasizes talk-based interventions for emotional or psychological challenges, often used for mild to moderate distress. Psychiatry is a medical field focused on diagnosing and treating severe mental illnesses, often using medication. The two can work independently or in tandem—for example, someone with major depression may benefit from both antidepressants and talk therapy.
084. Will My Therapist Tell Other People What I Say?
No. Registered therapists are legally and ethically bound to confidentiality. They cannot share what you disclose without your consent, except in rare situations such as risk of harm to yourself or others, child abuse, or a court order. You can ask your therapist to explain their confidentiality policy so you feel safe and informed.
085. Will Therapy Make Me Dependent on Someone?
Actually, good therapy aims to empower you—not foster dependence. It helps you become more self-aware and capable of navigating life on your own. Feeling a temporary attachment to your therapist is normal and often part of building trust. Over time, therapy encourages independence by teaching tools you can use beyond the sessions.
086. Will My Therapist Give Me Advice or Tell Me What to Do?
Therapists don’t usually give direct advice or make decisions for you. Instead, they guide you to explore your thoughts, clarify values, and discover your own answers. Some structured therapies like CBT may include practical strategies, but the core goal remains to enhance your autonomy and insight.
087. How Long Does Therapy Take to Work?
It depends on the nature of the issue, your goals, and how often you attend sessions. Some concerns (like test anxiety or communication skills) may improve in 6–12 sessions, while deeper issues (like trauma or relationship patterns) may require longer-term work. Progress isn’t always linear—it’s normal to have ups and downs. Look for improvements in emotional stability, relationships, and self-understanding.
088. Is Therapy Effective for Chinese Clients? What If the Therapist Doesn’t Understand My Culture?
Yes, therapy can be very effective for Chinese or other culturally diverse clients. The key is working with a culturally sensitive therapist who respects and understands values like family, face, and collectivism. Many clinics have Mandarin- or Cantonese-speaking therapists, and many therapists are trained in cross-cultural competence. You have the right to choose someone who matches your cultural background.
089. What If I Can’t Afford Therapy?
In Canada, there are many affordable or free mental health resources. These include university counseling centers, community health centers (CHCs), referrals from family doctors, nonprofit organizations, crisis hotlines, and online services. Some registered therapists also offer sliding-scale fees. The Hong Fook Mental Health Association provides free services tailored to the Chinese community in Toronto—visit hongfook.ca for more information.
090. My Family Thinks Seeing a Therapist Means I’m Crazy. How Do I Respond?
This belief is based on outdated stigma. Seeing a therapist is like getting a check-up for your mental health. You can say, “Just like we go to a doctor for physical illness, it’s okay to see a therapist for emotional concerns.” Share articles or videos to help them understand therapy’s value. If they remain unsupportive, remember you still have the right to prioritize your well-being and seek help for yourself.
