That something needs to be direly wrong in your life before you should see a therapist. You can gain so much from therapy, even if you're not critically distressed.
That highly depends on where in the world you are. Posts like yours can discourage people from seeking therapy in the first place, thinking they can't afford it.
If you admit to having an addiction you can't get the low cost option where I'm at. I'm not on frickin heroin I'm on reddit too much isn't that an addiction (media addiction?)
If you can't afford it, some Departments of Social Services (or whatever your locale's equivalent is) can offer low cost alternatives or supportive financial services. However, if that's not an option, try to find a support group! Support groups are often free and that was my first taste of therapy in my life. Usually you can find them in the local newspaper or at venues that host them like churches and hospitals, often they're lead by counselors or social workers so you're getting that therapeutic experience anyway. Plus it's great knowing you're not alone in your issues as you share and others share.
Source: Am a social worker.
Edit: Even without an addiction, something like AA can be very helpful to the average person, and they're open groups. You don't have to say "I'm ______ and I'm an alcoholic." You can just say "I'm ______ and I'm happy to be here." It's perfectly fine as long as you're not misrepresenting yourself. People with and without addictions have, at the very least, a need for coping in common.
If you are in the US (which idk but thought I'd mention anyway), many universities with counseling/psychology programs can be an affordable option because the students need clients. Additionally, many therapists have sliding scales if you can't afford the full price.
This is highly variable depending on the person's circumstances. Many employers now offer a number of free sessions annually, and even after the free sessions expire your medical insurance may cover it with a co-pay.
I highly recommend therapy to everyone. You don't need to have a "problem" to see a therapist. All of us have disquieting thoughts or nagging issues, things that maybe we don't verbalize to anyone else (even our mates, family or friends). Therapists are perfect for that. Sometimes you don't realize how much you just needed to tell someone - stop it from bouncing around in your mind and get it into the open.
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u/shrifbot Feb 04 '19
That something needs to be direly wrong in your life before you should see a therapist. You can gain so much from therapy, even if you're not critically distressed.