Who Is Counseling For? (Hint: It’s Not Just for ‘Crazy People’)
For a long time, there’s been an unspoken rule in many families and communities: we don’t talk about our feelings, and we definitely don’t go to therapy. If someone did seek counseling, it was whispered about, as if therapy was only for people who were unstable, broken, or on the brink of crisis.
Let’s name that for what it is—a myth rooted in stigma, fear, and misunderstanding.
Where Did the “Crazy People Go to Therapy” Idea Come From?
For decades, mental health support was misunderstood and even weaponized. In movies, people in therapy were portrayed as unstable. In some cultures or households, therapy was seen as a last resort—or worse, a sign of weakness or failure. Many of us were taught that needing help meant something was wrong with us.
But here's the truth: therapy is for people who are human. People with relationships, histories, stress, responsibilities, questions, grief, hope, and pain. Therapy isn’t just about mental illness—it’s about mental health. Just like we see a doctor for our bodies, we can see a therapist for our emotional and relational wellbeing.
So... Who Is Counseling Really For?
Counseling is for:
The mom who holds it all together until bedtime, then falls apart in the bathroom
The man who’s never been allowed to cry but feels crushed under the weight of expectations
The young adult navigating identity, relationships, and uncertainty
The person healing from trauma they were told “wasn’t that bad”
The perfectionist who looks fine on the outside but is silently unraveling inside
The one who's simply tired of feeling stuck, numb, angry, or lost
It’s for you, me, and all of us trying to make sense of our experiences.
Therapy Isn’t About “Fixing”—It’s About Understanding
You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from counseling. Therapy can help you:
Get to know yourself in a deeper way
Learn to manage stress, anxiety, or sadness
Navigate life transitions, grief, or burnout
Heal from the past and show up more fully in the present
Practice setting boundaries and speaking up for your needs
Therapy isn’t about being “crazy.” It’s about being courageous enough to be honest—with yourself and someone trained to walk alongside you with care.
Let’s Normalize Getting Support
Choosing to go to therapy doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re aware that life can be overwhelming and that you deserve support. It’s one of the kindest things you can do for yourself and the people around you. When we work on our own healing, we break cycles, we show up differently, and we help normalize emotional wellness for future generations.
At Helping Hands Counseling, I see therapy as a collaborative space where healing takes root. Whether you're carrying something heavy or simply curious about why you feel the way you do, you are welcome here.
Because counseling isn’t just for people who are falling apart—it’s for people who want to grow.
