How to Encourage Someone to Seek Counseling in an Open and Honest Way
Sometimes the people closest to you struggle with their mental health, and it can be difficult to see them struggle. It can be equally difficult to initiate a conversation about what you’re observing. If you really want your friend or family member to get the help they need, however, this conversation is an important step.
Encouraging someone to seek therapy can be tricky for a few reasons. If not done sensitively, the person could feel insulted, attacked, or embarrassed. This reaction can happen for a variety of reasons. First, some individuals have bought into stigmas about mental health and therapy, and if that’s the case, your family member could feel embarrassed or insulted that someone thinks they need help. Second, they could feel scared. Maybe the idea that someone close to them is picking up on the issue is scary because it means others are noticing their personal struggles. If you’re in a situation such as this, you might be wondering what you should do and how you can help. Keep reading to gain some insights on how to navigate this potentially stressful situation.
How to Initiate a Discussion Surrounding Mental Health
When approaching your friend or family member, it is important to approach the conversation in a way that reduces the likelihood of insult or embarrassment. Remember that everyone has a different opinion on mental health issues and what to do about them. Talking about mental health can be very vulnerable for people so you want to make sure that you are showing support. The person you are talking to may be aware that they need help but may be afraid to seek it because of fears that they will be judged or treated differently by people. Make sure to assure them that you are there to support them through the process.
Something else that is important to keep in mind when talking to someone about their mental health is making sure you are talking to them in a private setting where they feel comfortable. It can also be beneficial to have this conversation one on one. Be sure to demonstrate your respect for this person and your desire to hear their perspective on this matter.
When you approach your friend or family member is just as important as how or where you approach them. Address them at a time when they are available and not currently stressed or preoccupied with another task.
Be Ready to Listen, Help, and Support Them Through This Process
Generally speaking, you won’t necessarily know how your friend or family member will feel about this conversation until you have it. You may be met with some unwillingness, hesitation, or suspicion, or you may be met with relief that there is space to talk about these concerns openly. Not everyone is familiar with therapy, and you may need to be prepared to share information about it. It can be helpful to speak personally by sharing about the things you have seen that are concerning to you. It may be helpful to talk about how these behaviors are impacting your relationship with them.
In return, remember to be open to what the person has to say in response to your concerns. Think about what their side of the story could be. They may have explanations, and if they do you want to be open minded to hearing what they have to say. Even if you disagree, listening to them can show support.
Continue Offering Support Throughout the Process, Regardless of their Decision
Overall, you want to communicate that you are there to help and support them as much as possible. Offer to help them find a therapist by doing the research with them, and remind them that you will be there throughout the process. If they do pursue therapy, remember not to ask prying questions about the experience. If they want to talk about it they will. Therapy is vulnerable and they may not want to open up about what they discuss in it. The best thing you can do is remind them that if they need or want to talk about it you are there to listen.
Seeking therapy can be difficult and daunting but if someone is struggling with their mental health it can be incredibly helpful and rewarding. Share your observations but remember it is their decision. The most important thing you can do if you think someone is struggling is to let them know that you support them and want to help them.
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Written by: Lindsay Fortier, LGPC
Photo Credit: Sơn Bờm, mentatdgt, and SHVETS Production
Date of Download: 8/18/2021
Reference
How to Encourage Someone to See a Therapist. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/November-2017/How-to-Encourage-Someone-to-See-a-Therapist
