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Helping a Friend Seek Therapy

Marcelina Hardy | May 29, 2008

Sometimes the hardest part of being a friend is helping him or her see something your friend doesn't want to see. This means that sometimes you may have to suggest he or she visit a therapist even though you know your friend may not want to see one. Here are some tips for you if you find yourself in this situation.

Be Sensitive

If your friend is going through a difficult time in life, your friend is sensitive during this time. You want to be supportive but you know there is only so much you can do. If you find your friend is not feeling better from the support you are providing you can suggest he or she see a therapist nonchalantly in a conversation. This way you are not coming across as if you are just trying to avoid your friend.

Be Supportive

Your friend may not be receptive to the idea of going to psychotherapist at first but after you bring it up a couple times, he or she may start to consider it. Be sure to stay with your friend through the process of finding a therapist and maybe even transport your friend to the appointment. Only do this if he or she wants you to, the key is to continue to be support even if he or she is getting support from someone else.

Share Experiences

If you have been in therapy before, it may help to tell your friend about your experiences and the reason why you started going. Some people feel like therapy is a bad thing and do not want admit they need help. Having a friend tell you that going to therapy is not something to be ashamed of is comforting.

Interventions

For a friend who is having substance abuse problems or denying their psychiatric issues, an intervention may help you. An intervention consists of you collaborating with one or more loved ones and confronting your friend together. You and the people you have joined can sit and discuss the benefits of going to therapy. Sometimes it helps to show how your friend's actions have affected his or her life.

Just Remember...

Seeking out the help of a therapist has to be up to your friend. If you force someone into therapy, it may not be successful. Don't be upset with your friend if he or she decides not to go forward with it. As a friend, you need to respect his or her choices. The only thing you can do is continue to show your support. If you continue to push the issue, you may end up losing your loved one. Take a break from trying to convince him or her to seek therapy and revisit it sometime later if the issue is still present. Sometimes it takes the person to hit bottom to realize that outside help may help.