Why Therapy Is Important for Mental Health: Beyond Crisis Care

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Dr. Anita Sanz joins Terry and Carly to discuss the importance of seeking therapy as a proactive step for mental health, not just during times of crisis. Together, they break down what therapy actually looks like, why the stigma around it persists, and how people can find the right therapist for their needs. From analogies comparing therapy to car repair and physical therapy, to tackling fears around stigma and suicidal thoughts, this episode provides insight and encouragement for anyone considering therapy.

Listeners will gain clarity on when to seek help, what to expect in sessions, and why proactive therapy can lead to better outcomes.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why therapy should be proactive, not just reactive
• The stigma surrounding therapy and mental health care
• How to know when it’s time to seek therapy
• What to expect in a therapy session
• How to find a therapist that’s the right fit
• The importance of being honest with your therapist
• Addressing suicidal thoughts in therapy
• How therapy works beyond the session

Timestamps:
 00:00 Intro
 01:26 Why we treat physical health differently than mental health
 02:28 What really happens in therapy
 03:11 Knowing when it’s time to seek help
 04:21 Why therapy works better before things get really bad
 05:42 Changing generational attitudes toward therapy
 07:26 Stigma and resistance to therapy
 09:37 The healthiest people go to therapy
 10:34 Using therapy proactively for stressors and grief
 11:09 How to choose the right therapist
 12:55 Free consultations and therapist shopping
 13:53 What to say in your first session
 15:16 Asking how a therapist will work with you
 15:56 Why honesty with your therapist matters
 17:18 How long therapy lasts and knowing when you’re “done”
 19:02 Discussing suicidal thoughts with a therapist
 21:51 Why therapy requires effort outside of sessions
 23:33 Listener question on learned helplessness and negative thought patterns
 25:49 Closing

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