Before I ever sat across from a client as a therapist, I found myself sitting in the client’s chair. The first time I went for therapy was during my Masters program. But truthfully, the idea of going to therapy had been nudging the back of my mind for a long time. For years, despite my education in Psychology, I battled the idea of seeing a therapist. I grappled with the same questions that most of my clients face: Is my pain valid enough for therapy? Am I weak for
seeking help? What will others think of me?; and more importantly, How can someone who needs
therapy be a good therapist?.

These questions weren’t just my own; they were shaped by the world around me. In today’s world, we often see phrases like “you need therapy” thrown around as an insult, a bad joke or even as punishment. In India, therapy becomes all the more inaccessible when it’s viewed as a space for the severely disturbed, the crazy and the idea of log kya kahenge taking precedence. 

If you find yourself facing similar fears and doubts, I want you to hear this, from someone who has been on both sides of the process:

Therapy isn’t just for crises. It’s a space for growth, self-discovery, and healing. A soft landing for heavy hearts.

If you’re considering therapy but aren’t sure whether now is the right time, here are a few signs it
might be worth exploring:

You feel overwhelmed or stuck – Struggling to manage daily stressors or emotions. This could manifest as a sense of being stuck in repetitive patterns, feeling exhausted, drained or burnt out, no matter how much rest you get.

You have been through something traumatic, recently or long ago, that still feels heavy – You may carry pain or memories from your childhood that still affect you today in quiet, subtle ways.

You’re not sure what’s wrong, just that something doesn’t feel right – There’s an emptiness or heaviness that you can’t explain, even when life looks fine from the outside

You’re navigating specific emotional or mental health concerns – Many people first seek therapy because they’re grappling with specific emotional or mental health issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship struggles, low self-esteem. You don’t need a diagnosis to deserve support.

You find it hard to set boundaries, & feeling stuck in people-pleasing – Saying “no” feels hard. Putting yourself first feels unfamiliar. You may find yourself constantly prioritising others at your own expense.

You want support as a queer or neurodivergent person – Navigating a world that doesn’t always understand you and often misunderstands and marginalises you, can be exhausting. Therapy can provide a supportive, affirming space

Struggling to feel seen, heard, or understood – Sometimes, the people closest to us may not know how to respond, or their perspectives might be influenced by their own experiences. A therapist provides a secure space to explore your thoughts and feelings freely, unbiased and compassionate.

Your life is awesome and you want to increase the awesomeness – Therapy isn’t just for managing distress and pain, it can be more than that. It can be a space for personal growth; to explore your experiences, emotions and thoughts, regardless of their intensity. Therapy is also about
expanding your capacity for joy.

Starting therapy can feel vulnerable. I know, it did for me too. But what I discovered is that therapy is a pathway to understanding & healing. It’s a space where your story is held with care, where your healing is prioritised, and where you’re met exactly where you are.

If you’re here reading this right now, facing the same doubts I did about starting therapy, let me tell you this – If the thought of starting therapy has ever crossed your mind, even briefly, that’s a meaningful signal. It’s your inner self recognising a need for support, growth, and healing.

If you have further questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out. You’re not alone on this
path.

At The bigSmall Therapy, we offer a consultation call before you start therapy. It’s a gentle starting point, a chance to ask questions, explore your readiness, and get a sense of whether a therapist feels like the right fit for you.

About the author –
Kremika is the co-founder and therapist at The bigSmall Therapy. When not at work, you’ll find her tucked in a corner with a book and hot cup of coffee!