[Eleny]

I had a difficult childhood and have had a lot of issues with self esteem, boundaries and relationships.

Recently I've been doing really well and I can feel myself feeling a lot bettter and my self worth growing. I was wondering if this would be a good time to go back to therapy or is that a silly idea if I'm doing ok? Maybe I have this belief that I need help when I don't?

Or would this be a really good time for self reflection? Because part of me worries that even though I'm doing well right now it may not last and I have a lot that I need to address deep down. Therapy was hard for me because I was always in crisis but now things have calmed for me, maybe this is a good time?

Any thoughts welcome! Thank you.

Do you really need a therapist to help you engage in self reflection? I'd say if there is no real reason to go back into therapy, continue to do things on your own. Some people think differently and stay in therapy sort of out of routine or habit, but I'm more of the mind that unless there are things going on that I can't figure out or handle on my own, perhaps finding the new routine and habit of using other supports and activities to enrich my life is healthier and can become my new "normal."

I always leave the option open to return to therapy if I find I do need that kind of support, but I much better enjoy using my time and money in other ways. Thus far, I've found that even my most stressful moments don't send me into crisis like I used to. I've also found it isn't inevitable that stressors will forever send me into crisis; that was a different me in a different time and place. That in itself is a great confidence boost.

[DodgersMom]

I am working on similar issues myself. However I've gotten nowhere on my own so I am in therapy.

You could go back if you can afford it and think you need the extra support.

[luvnola]

This is where I'm at as well. I've been doing well for a while now. I'm no longer anorexic, after over 20 years, I'm not dissociating or self harming, the depression seems more situational instead of constant. I still have a lot of childhood abuse that I haven't worked through. But, since I'm doing so good right now, I've chosen to go to therapy only when present day stuff comes up. I believe that you don't have to work through everything to be okay, and even though I have unresolved issues, they aren't causing me problems in the present so I'm leaving them in past. It'll be months and months that I don't see t, and then when something comes up I'll make an appointment to just deal with that. I no longer think, for myself, going in to the past does any good. It only destabilizes me and sends me back into depression and anxiety and so much more. (just speaking for myself only) I'd rather live today and only work on what comes up that has to do with the present. Ex: My daughter's father just had another baby and I have feelings about that given he hasn't seen my daughter in 4 years, so I've made an appt with t to work thru those feelings only because she is really objective, unlike my friends who just call him a jerk if I bring this up. That's the kinds of things I see her for when I need to...very specific and usually takes only one session and then I'm done until something else comes up that I think she can help with.

Anyways, it's really up to you. If going to therapy is going to turn your world upside down, then I'd really question why go if you are feeling good now.
But if you can go and work on what you want and still feel good and healthy, then if that's what you want to do, go for it.

[InnerPeace111]

I think going to therapy when you feel okay / good is a great idea! You can use your sessions for personal development, self-growth, and reflection...all of which have the capacity and potential to strengthen you now and then to carry you through tougher encounters in the future. I can think of nothing better than this. It's a gift to yourself.

[ElectricManatee]

I've heard of people using therapy more like a personal trainer, to focus on wellness even when they aren't in need of a "cure." Then again I've also heard of people getting to the point where they function well enough and leaving the buried issues alone even if they are pretty big. I think it just depends on what feels helpful for you to be able to have the life you want (and potentially it depends on what you can afford).