Is it time to start therapy/counselling?

Amanda Baker
Oct 21
4 min read

Updated: Nov 26

Common Reasons People Seek Therapy

By Amanda Baker, Psychotherapist & Counsellor | Individual psychotherapy & counselling, Teen's psychotherapy & Counselling & Couples/Marriage Counselling- Sankofa House Nambour, Sunshine Coast.

Life can feel overwhelming, confusing, or stuck at times. We may find ourselves repeating the same behaviours, struggling with our emotions, or noticing our relationships becoming strained — without knowing exactly why.

Therapy is a safe space where you can slow down, reflect, and begin to understand yourself more deeply. Whether you're an adult navigating personal challenges, a teenager overwhelmed by life's transitions, or a couple facing communication issues, therapy can help bring clarity and change.

Here are some of the common reasons people decide to begin psychotherapy or counselling:

1. Repeating Unhelpful Behaviour Patterns

Have you ever found yourself asking, "Why does this keep happening?"

You might notice:

Frequently ending up in the same kind of unhealthy relationship
Struggling to say “no” and overcommitting
Procrastinating despite wanting to be productive
Sabotaging your own goals or happiness

These behaviours are often not random — they can be learned survival skills or coping strategies that once served a purpose but no longer work. Therapy can help uncover the roots of these patterns and begin to shift them.

2. Overwhelming or Difficult Emotions

Everyone experiences emotional ups and downs, but when emotions feel too intense or constant, they can begin to affect your quality of life. You might be:

Struggling with anxiety, depression, anger, or grief
Feeling emotionally “numb” or disconnected
Having difficulty regulating your emotions
Feeling overwhelmed by stress or burnout

In therapy, we explore your experience with compassion, helping you name and process feelings in a safe environment.

3. Adolescent Challenges & Parental Support

Adolescence is a time of rapid emotional, psychological, and social development — and it can be incredibly challenging for both young people and their parents. Teens might experience:

Mood swings, anxiety, or low self-esteem
School avoidance, peer pressure, or academic stress
Identity and body image concerns
Withdrawal from family or friends

Adolescent/teens counselling offers teens a space to talk openly about what they're going through without fear of judgment. At the same time, parental consults can be an important part of the process. These sessions support parents in understanding their teen’s development, improving communication, and learning how to respond effectively to challenging behaviours.

Therapy for adolescents works best when both the young person and their caregivers are supported — even if they’re seen separately. It’s a team effort.

4. Negative Thinking Patterns and Beliefs

Sometimes it’s not just how we feel, but how we think that keeps us stuck. Common thinking patterns that bring people to therapy include:

Harsh self-criticism or low self-worth
Constant worry or catastrophic thinking
Perfectionism or fear of failure
Difficulty trusting others or assuming the worst

Cognitive distortions like these can influence how you see yourself, others, and the world. In therapy, we work to gently explore and shift these beliefs toward a more balanced and realistic perspective.

5. Relationship Difficulties

Relationships are central to our lives — whether romantic, family, or friendships. You might seek counselling if you're:

Feeling disconnected or misunderstood in your relationship
Arguing frequently or struggling with communication
Navigating a breakup or divorce
Facing trust issues, infidelity, or intimacy challenges

Couples counselling provides a safe space to explore these issues and build stronger, healthier communication and connection. For individuals, relationship-focused therapy can help you understand your attachment patterns, boundaries, and needs.

6. Life Transitions and Identity Questions

Big life changes can bring uncertainty and emotional upheaval. These might include:

Becoming a parent or facing an empty nest
Career changes or job loss
Exploring gender identity or sexual orientation
Grieving a loss or adjusting to chronic illness

Therapy provides a grounding space to explore values, beliefs, and emerging sense of self — at any age.

7. Feeling Stuck or Disconnected Without a Clear Reason

Sometimes people come to therapy not because something is “wrong,” but because something feels “off.” You might feel:

A lack of motivation or direction
Like you're just going through the motions
Disconnected from your purpose or values
As if you're not living fully or authentically

These experiences are valid and worthy of exploration. Therapy helps reconnect you with what brings meaning and vitality to your life.

Starting the Conversation

Reaching out for support is a powerful act of self-awareness and care. Therapy is not about being “broken” — it's about being human and choosing to grow.

I offer:

Individual psychotherapy & counselling
Adolescent/teens therapy, with parental consults available
Couples counselling
Parent Consults

Each approach is tailored to your needs, whether you’re seeking clarity, healing, or growth. If you're curious about whether therapy is right for you or someone in your family, I invite you to get in touch for a free initial consultation (15mins- limited spaces) or to your first book a session.

Let’s begin the journey together.

Amanda Baker | Healing Connections Psychotherapy & Counselling |

Sankofa House Nambour | Individual psychotherapy & counselling|

Teen's psychotherapy & counselling| Parent consultations| Couples & Marriage Counselling