How To Tell Someone They Need Therapy

One of the benefits of participating in therapy is developing more insight and understanding about yourself. Sometimes, clients will express how someone else in their life could benefit from seeing a counselor but are unsure how to communicate this to the other person without offending them. Here are six tips to consider when asking someone else to get therapy.

1. What is your relationship with this person? 

 Are they a close family or friend, or more of an acquaintance? Sometimes people are more open to hearing from someone they already trust or have an established relationship with instead of an acquaintance or stranger. 

2. Be open and empathetic, not judgmental. 

Sometimes we think we know best, or we see the solution, “if only” they would follow our advice. This can make people defensive. Be open to a different reaction than what you may have expected.

3. Consider the setting.

 When and where will you have this conversation? If it’s in the middle of an argument, that’s usually not the best time. Pick a time when you are both calm and you can have some privacy.

4. Express concern in a supportive way.  

Often this means using more “I” statements instead of “you” statements.  For example “I’ve noticed you’ve been overwhelmed lately and it’s worrying me.” Instead of “you're so overwhelmed, you need to get some therapy and learn how to handle it better.”

5. Consider their personal beliefs. 

Again, depending on your relationship with them, do you know how they view mental health and therapy or counseling to begin with? Although the stigma of mental health care is slowly changing, many cultures, families, and persons still view it as a weakness, and they are not open to considering therapy. Although that can be frustrating, you may ultimately have to respect their decision to decline your suggestions and not pursue counseling.

6. Ask yourself, am I getting too involved in a problem that is ultimately not mine to solve? 

It’s easy to get overly involved in someone else’s stuff especially when we have a close relationship with them. Providing support can be a delicate balance of maintaining a boundary without taking on their stress or trying to solve the problem for them.

If you find yourself overwhelmed in taking on other’s issues or having difficulty communicating these things to your loved ones, counseling can help you gain some clarity on how to begin managing it. For a free consultation, you can contact me at 281-858-3325.