Why therapy? Why Now?

Even before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, mental health was becoming a less stigmatized topic. Post pandemic, that conversation has been push ahead perhaps 10 to 15 years. These days, talk about mental health challenges permeates pop culture, art, film, television, music, and even the corporate sphere. And while things are nowhere near perfect, considering the lack of understanding and true availability of services for the whole population, we have made some incredible strides in the past four years.

Generation Z has embraced therapy like no other generation before it. According to a 2023 Gallop poll, two in five Gen Z’s and millennials (or 39 percent) are hoping to go into therapy this year. About one in five are already in therapy. This statistic, juxtaposed with the fact that 15 percent of older generations go to therapy, just highlights that the younger generations are more open to this process.

When speaking with someone in banking earlier this year, they mentioned that mental health is like physical health for their cohort, and that people in their 20s and early 30s think of therapy like they think of their gym memberships—they are a necessity and not just a nice to have. And in fact, eighty-three percent of those polled by Gallop, said they talk openly about being in therapy, which speaks volumes in terms of how mental health challenges and treatments are being perceived.

So why get into therapy now? Well, a few reasons. If someone is ready to work through some challenges and process their emotions in a supportive environment, the timing couldn’t be better.  There is less stigma surrounding mental health challenges, which hopefully means there is less shame and guilt. And if there is still that shame surrounding seeking therapy, well, hopefully we can start to work that out inside the therapy room.

Also, psychotherapy is now a regulate profession in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, which means that there are ethics and standards that psychotherapists must adhere to, creating a safer environment for both the public and for therapists.

While we need to put more resources into mental health treatments and access for everyone (consider this the next time you are voting), therapy has become so commonplace and more easily available thanks to secure video conferencing, the benefits of seeking therapy now are many. You don’t need to be in crisis, but we’re also there if you are. Anyone can benefit from therapy at any time. Whether it’s exploring work place challenges, understanding past traumas or grieving a loved one or lost relationship, therapy will help.