When I started therapy, I was still in university. I was getting an allowance but I knew it was not going to be enough to support regular therapy and I was unwilling to tell my parents about it to get financial support simply because I didn’t want to discuss why I was going. 

This is quite a common issue among young people thinking of seeking help and even working adults.

It is no secret that any form of therapy or counselling is very expensive. In fact, in many places, a single session can come up to hundreds of dollars for a single hour. 

However, there are many places out there with a variety of price points. From sessions that allow you to pay what you can to those that offer free consultations, there’s really something for everyone. 

At the end of the day, remember that you are investing in yourself.

“Therapy offers you the opportunity to gain insight and address your mental and emotional needs. Many people consider it as an investment for their overall well-being,” said Jae-Mie Yiew, a clinical psychologist at Psychology Blossom.

Doing your research before committing to a therapist is also very important because we are not going to click with every therapist out there. I personally went through so many before I found someone who I felt understood me and who was giving me advice that was in line with my personal values. Don’t ever be afraid to make a decision for yourself that someone is doing more harm than good or simply just not working out. 

“One of the most important factors that may determine the fit is perhaps the values of the therapist and whether these clash with those of the client. I think the main red flag for me was when a therapist was too eager to prescribe, rather than collaborate with me. I didn’t necessarily want someone to tell me how to live my life even though I wanted guidance,” shared Jairam.

One of my greatest fears, when it came to starting therapy, was someone finding out. I didn’t mind telling my absolute closest friends but I was worried that my colleagues or family would find out and that I would be judged. I was also concerned about how I was going to tell my bosses and supervisors that I needed an hour off a week to go to therapy.

While it is easy for me to sit here and tell you that you don’t have to be worried, the fact is, it is difficult to admit this to others. It’s difficult because many people will ask questions or your bosses may not be supportive and maybe it’s just a little more hassle than it’s worth. 

Something that really changed my relationship with therapy for the better was the pandemic. When it started, I was forced to move my sessions online. I was working from home as well at that point which made it very convenient. 

At first, I hated it. I hated that I had to be paranoid about someone listening at the door. I hated that I still had work notifications popping up during my session. But soon, I got used to it and now I can’t imagine going back to physical sessions.

I no longer have to make up elaborate lies to explain where I’m going (or feel ashamed). I don’t have to fake a doctor’s appointment because I can simply jump into a session straight after work without worrying about travel time. 

“We allow ourselves to annually go for check-ups, health exams, to discover things we do or do not have in our health, right? I find it interesting how we are so mature as a society, but individually we don’t allow ourselves to do the same and discover the unconscious processes that might be blocking ourselves from progressing,” said Rebecca Versolato, a psychoanalyst and family therapist at White Canvas Therapy.

At the end of the day, no matter if you choose to tell people or not, remember that you are on this journey for yourself and for no one else.

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