When to Seek Therapy

How to Know When You or Someone You Know Could Benefit from Therapy

The American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) has suggested the following as potential signals of emotional distress which may benefit from professional therapy or counseling:

  • A death in the family
  • Chronic marital conflict or marital dissatisfaction
  • Constant parent-child conflict
  • Divorce or separation
  • Sexual problems or concerns
  • Teenagers experimenting with alcohol, drugs or sex
  • Adults abusing drugs (including prescriptions) or alcohol
  • Chronic feelings of loneliness, sadness, or depression
  • Unexplained fatigue or pain
  • Unexplained physical injuries to spouse or children
  • Repeated financial difficulties
  • Drastic weight fluctuations and/or irregular eating patterns
  • Inability to set or attain goals
  • Repeated employment difficulties such as frequent job changes or difficulties with co-workers