Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties on your own, you may be faced with a particularly difficult situation which makes you feel the need for help and support. Therefore, people come into therapy for many reasons. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.) and have difficulties coping with these stressful circumstances; others seek self-exploration and personal growth. When coping skills are overwhelmed by guilt, doubt, anxiety, or despair, therapy can help. There is nothing disparaging in seeking such help from a professional when you feel you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize that they need a helping hand; that is something to be admired, not belittled. By seeking therapy and choosing to embark on this self-exploratory journey, you are showing great courage. You are taking responsibility for yourself and for your life; you are making a commitment to change the situation. Therapy usually provides support and long-lasting benefits, and gives you the tools you need to avoid old triggers; it helps to re-direct damaging patterns, and to overcome whatever challenges you face.