You pay the co-pay

I could have sworn I wrote this blog long ago, but I did not see any reference to it.  The expression is my mother's.  It references seeking the advice of a mental health professional.  For those lucky enough to have coverage for mental health consultation, there are no real barriers to treatment.  There may be barriers, but they have no substance.

I have had a rather odd relationship with therapy.  Well, I consider it odd.  Therapists vary greatly in their adaptability, specialization, and skill.  The same could be said of many professionals, but the mind doesn't not allow results to be easily measured.  One can not simply rely on recommendations or commercial success in choosing a provider.  I cannot say that all the providers I have interacted with were helpful.

But therapy is not meant to be curative.  It is meant to be therapeutic.  A capable therapist allows their patient to voice their thoughts.  The patient may or may not come to some realization.  The patient may or may not feel relieved to express something.  It is quite possible that you may develop a relationship that allows for such expression outside of a therapeutic environment.  However, emotional investment can quickly become an issue.

I have chosen to avoid therapy more often than not.  The propensity of drug treatment, lack of self-awareness, and misunderstandings regarding mental health caused me to internalize.  I do not regret the result.  I may have become overly-reliant on escapism but I believe I did gain insight.  However, I have turned from escapism and now find that I lack other coping strategies.

And so, I pay the co-pay.  I give voice to my thoughts without ruining someone else's day.  I am glad that this opportunity exists.  Consider it a crutch if you wish, but sometimes using a crutch is the only way to keep moving.