How can I feel better with my mental health, I wanna get therapy but right now I can’t afford it?!

I’m a 20 year girl that’s out of high school. I finally got a job but haven’t started yet, I’m struggling with my mental health and with grief and a bunch of other stuff like depression, anxiety, barely any motivation, bad body image, low self esteem, relationship issues and I’m struggling to pick myself up!
Asked by Elizabeth
Answered
10/05/2022

Hi Elizabeth

My name is Juli-Ann, and I am a licensed therapist (license number LMHC MH 15094). 
 
First, let me congratulate you for having the courage to seek help. Yes, you're in a difficult place, and the need to move forward and find the solution is essential for change.
 
Understanding each aspect of your presenting problems is essential. Your feelings need to be validated, coupled with identifying why is there undealt with trauma. It is also vitally important to develop coping skills as you move forward and; while addressing underlying concerns. May I suggest you asking yourself the following questions; what is causing this pain, how long have I been feeling this way, what stage of grief I am in, and what do I need to put in place to move forward? Not being able to validate your feelings causes you to feel stuck. 
 
While recognizing this source of your struggle is good, it is also necessary to identify what processing method needs to be in place to address this matter. Implementing coping skills to process the stressors is essential, while continual processing with a Licensed Clinician addresses further issues. 
Some benefits of completing therapy include a better understanding of your current concerns, overcoming past trauma, and achieving goals that you will set; while gaining healthy coping skills to cope with the everyday stressors, you will identify during the process. Another benefit is having someone / the therapist as your sounding board to help you while you process your concerns. During which there are no concerns that you cannot express to your therapist.
 
As a therapist here on BetterHelp, I have learned that no one person is alike. With this, I utilize various techniques to help my clients identify their chief complaints while setting realistic goals that are attainable and achievable. Some of the therapeutic methods I use include; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ( CBT), Solution Focus, Reality Therapy, etc. 
 
I hope you decide to continue this journey in seeking help. This will be the best decision you make for yourself, and the results can only lead to great success. I am looking forward to working with or hearing from you. Thank you for reaching out with your question.
 
 
 
Kind Regards
Juli-Ann