I think about this a lot. I think about people like my mom who really need therapy (or something like therapy) but vehemently refuse to go. I don't envy that type of unexamined, rigid mindset. Yes, she lives her life without attending weekly appointments and yes, she will never know the overwhelming mindf*ck that is transference, but is it better? H ell no. I would take my personal growth and newfound courage any day. My eyes are open and I'm not going back.

Also, I bet we make assumptions that a lot of strong, smart people we know aren't in therapy when they actually might be. I think almost all of my local friends either are in therapy, have been in therapy, or are seriously considering therapy, but it took me literally like four years (and opening up about my own therapy) to find this out.

Finally! (geez, it's fun up on this soapbox) I agree with ATAT that living life and being in therapy are not fundamentally incompatible. In fact, I get more confident and daring about experimenting and trying new things in my life if I know my therapist is there to help me pick up the pieces when/if it all blows up. That includes things like meeting new people, trying new activities, and asking important people in my life for things I really want. It's that safety net thing. I can strategize with my therapist, express my anxiety, go out and do it anyway, and then report back on my failures and triumphs. It's all pretty dramatic, delightful stuff.