Therapy — despite how mainstream it has become — is still a sensitive topic. It takes delicacy and preparation to know how to talk to someone about getting therapy without feeling too awkward or uncomfortable and without causing offense.
Below, we’ll go over a few tips on broaching the conversation as well as how to get a loved one to go to therapy through careful encouragement.
Choose the right time.
A major consideration for how to convince a friend to go to therapy is the timing. Being prepared ahead of time and knowing when to bring up the subject is key. Ideally, you don’t want the person to be preoccupied. You’ll want to choose somewhere comfortable and private as well, so as not to be interrupted or overheard.
Be honest and use “I” statements.
Openness and honesty are critical. It’s also advised to use “I” statements to express concerns and describe what you’ve observed. Use these statements to relay how you see therapy as beneficial for this person specifically, your relationship, and so on.
Share positive personal experiences.
If applicable, illustrating how therapy has positively impacted you can be constructive. This works to destigmatize the concept of therapy and shed light on previously overlooked aspects or benefits of therapy.
Show you care and offer to help.
Tensions may rise throughout the conversation, and that’s okay. If your loved one begins to withdraw or become defensive, convey how much you care. Share your plans to help and how you’ll be there every step of the way.
Anticipate resistance and plan accordingly.
Lastly, anyone considering how to get someone to talk to a therapist should understand resistance is likely. Often, people have trouble admitting they need help and fight back. You should have plans in place to handle this reaction and ways to diffuse the situation if necessary.
Reaching Out for Support
Knowing how to talk to someone about going to therapy takes research. Before approaching a loved one, be sure to prepare for success, resistance, and all possible outcomes. You also need to be ready to follow through with the next step: finding the right therapist.
Here at MySpectrum, our therapists cover a wide range of mental and emotional issues. We’ll work diligently to find the best fit for your loved one, whether it’s individual therapy, teletherapy, or otherwise.
Contact us today to learn more about who we are and what we can do to help.