How To Convince Someone To Go To A Psychologist? 10 Practical Tips
We are empathetic beings. This makes us worry not only about ourselves, but also about the well-being of our family and friends, who may be going through a bad situation.
Sometimes it is necessary to turn to a psychologist, who can help improve the condition of our loved one. However, going to therapy is not a decision that is usually made easily and It may be the case that those who need professional help do not ask for it for different reasons. The fact that someone close to you has a problem not only affects them, but also their close circle, and it is those close to them who consider it appropriate to visit a professional.
The question that many people ask themselves when they find themselves in this situation is: How to convince someone to go to a psychologist? Proposing it can become a very delicate topic, and generate a tense situation when you feel offended and that you may be called “crazy.” Let’s look at several key tips and ideas to know how to deal with these kinds of problems.
What resistance may arise when proposing to go to psychotherapy?
Although in recent decades the profession of psychologist has become more popular, in addition to better dissemination of what is done in psychological consultations, the truth is that many people They are reluctant to go to psychological therapy
Although the image of the psychologist as someone who is only in charge of people with serious psychological disorders, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, has been overcome, there are many who continue to believe that going to a psychologist is something for “crazy people.” .
It may also be the case of that the person who is suffering considers that he is in a situation so serious that he no longer has a situation or fear that going to the psychologist will confirm that there is nothing to do, and decide not to face it.
There are those who see asking for help as a sign of weakness, and fear that they will end up dependent on a mental health professional. Also, due to a lack of knowledge of what psychologists really do, they believe that they will end up medicating them and will really know how to deeply address their situation.
Although there are people who are aware that they are suffering and need help, the fear of the high financial cost of psychotherapy can prevent them from going to the psychologist.
It is important to indicate that, except in situations where there is a very serious psychological disorder, It must be the person themselves who goes to the psychologist freely , without her family, friends or partner having organized a deception or forcefully taking her to the consultation. For a clinical psychologist, these types of situations are especially difficult, given that the person who must be intervened does not want to receive professional help.
Tips to convince someone to go to the psychologist
As friends, family or partner of someone who is suffering, you can follow a series of recommendations that can help us make the person aware that they need help and that they can improve, in addition to showing them that we are on their side, that we support them and want the best for them.
Below are some tips whose purpose is to help you know how to convince someone to go to the psychologist.
1. Choose the best time and place
Proposing to go to a psychologist is a delicate topic. That is why it is advisable to choose a time and place where calm and intimacy predominate in which there is no tension and there are no other people who can react negatively to the proposal to go to the professional and influence who needs help.
2. Listen and be empathetic
We want to help you, and therefore we must show that this is our intention. Ask about your feelings, how you are experiencing the situation and how you perceive it may evolve If something similar has ever happened to you, tell them and make them understand that everything can improve with the right help.
3. Propose a first visit
Recommending starting psychotherapy immediately can be seen as proposing something complicated and financially unaffordable. Instead, you can recommend that they try an encounter with a psychologist, and see what happens and how they feel after the session.
4. Accompany him in the first session
Going to the psychologist for the first time can be perceived as an intimidating task. For ensure that the person goes, but without pressuring them it is a very good idea to accompany her during the first session, so that she feels that she is starting the process with the support of someone close.
5. Do not assume the reason for their suffering
Although all human beings have much in common, each one can attribute and experience suffering in different ways. Do not interpret the reason for their suffering, simply comment on your perception, making it clear that each person is free to live the same experience in a varied way.
There are many myths that exist around the figure of the psychologist. The best way to fight against them is to offer articles, books, websites and other resources prepared by the professionals themselves to help to have a real vision of the psychology professional and his work
7. A psychologist and a psychiatrist are not the same
Many people believe that going to a psychologist means being medicated , despite the fact that this professional is not the one who prescribes psychotropic drugs, and they are afraid of that possibility. Prescribing drugs is the job of the psychiatrist, and he only prescribes medication if necessary. Therefore, this aspect must be reported in case it is an obstacle when convincing someone to go to a psychologist.
8. Facilitates the process of searching for a psychologist
Thanks to new technologies, many psychologists have websites where you can make appointments, in addition to explaining their field of intervention and what they specialize in. So it is very easy to help find a psychotherapy professional who adapts to the needs of the person you want to convince
9. If possible and necessary, subsidize the treatment
Psychotherapy can be seen as an expensive process. If you can afford it, offer to pay for the first session. This will show that you are very involved in the therapeutic process and will motivate you to go to therapy. Once you have started, it will be easier for you to lose your fears and possible prejudices
10. Make him/her aware that it is he/she who decides
Everyone has the right to participate in improving their mental health. Although we suggest going to a psychologist, we must also make him/her aware that he/she You are free to decide whether or not to attend a consultation and that is responsible for your psychological well-being.
If, despite having followed these advice, the person does not want to go to the psychologist, you should insist, but staying calm and trying to argue the benefits of receiving therapy
