Good old fashioned Talk Therapy

This isn’t just what it sounds like.  You can talk to anyone – a friend, a family member, your dog.  The differences between talking to a friend and talking to a therapist are numerous.  A friend may listen and give you advice and even tell you what you should do; they may share their own personal stories with you.  A therapist will listen; they may or may not tell you what you should do or they may suggest what they think you might do in their opinion, but also suggest that what you end up doing is up to you.  A therapist will usually not share personal stories with you; the therapy is about you, not about the therapist, although some therapists, if they feel it is therapeutically appropriate and helpful, might share something personal at times.

A therapist might give advice, but will not hold it against you if you decide not to follow it; a therapist will try to help you come to your own decision, based on the facts you have put together for yourself.  A therapist will more likely be a sounding board.  A therapist might act as a mediator between you and a family member, or might help you and a spouse or partner learn better ways to communicate.  A therapist might point out something that you are unable to see clearly if your situation warrants it.  But a therapist is not a friend.  A therapist does not meet you for dinner, or lunch or drinks; a therapist does not come to your home or your wedding or your birthday party.  A therapist is a professional who is specially trained to help you gain the insights you need to solve whatever problems you are dealing with.